Description
A hearty and flavorful vegan lentil and walnut loaf topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. This dish is a delicious and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional meatloaf.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, cooked
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While the loaf is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the loaf from the oven. Spread the cranberry glaze evenly over the top.
- Return the loaf to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the loaf is firm.
- Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can add other vegetables like finely chopped carrots or celery to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- This loaf can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: Approximately 10-15g
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12-17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10g
- Protein: Approximately 12-15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
