Vegan Lentil Nut “Meatloaf”

Creating a hearty and flavorful vegan lentil nut “meatloaf” is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. This recipe combines lentils, nuts, and an array of savory spices to produce a delicious and satisfying dish that even non-vegans will love. Follow this detailed guide to craft a vegan lentil nut “meatloaf” that’s not only cruelty-free but also packed with protein and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans), finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• One onion, finely chopped
• Three cloves garlic, minced
• One carrot, grated
• One celery stalk, finely chopped
• One bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
• One tablespoon of tomato paste
• Two tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• Two tablespoons ground flaxseeds + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• One teaspoon of dried thyme
• One teaspoon dried oregano
• One teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Olive oil (for greasing)
• Ketchup or barbecue sauce (for topping)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Lentils:

Rinse the lentils under cold water and combine them with vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.

Prepare the Flax Egg:

In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseeds with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency. This will serve as a binding agent in place of eggs.

Saute Vegetables:

In a skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper until softened. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, flax egg, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Shape the “Meatloaf”:

Grease a loaf pan with olive oil. Transfer the lentil-nut mixture into the pan, pressing it down firmly. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Add Topping:

Spread a layer of ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the lentil nut mixture. This adds flavor and helps create a delicious glaze as it bakes.

Bake:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.

Rest and Slice:

Allow the lentil nut “meatloaf” to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes for cleaner slices.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve slices of your vegan lentil nut “meatloaf” with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Experiment with different nut combinations for varied textures and flavors.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be sliced and used in sandwiches or wraps.

With this vegan lentil nut “meatloaf” recipe, you can enjoy a cruelty-free and nutritious alternative to the traditional dish. Packed with plant-based protein, wholesome ingredients, and robust flavors, this vegan comfort food will be a hit at your dinner table.