by I am going to admit, I typically discover lentil loaves slightly dry, and slightly bland – however this simple vegan lentil loaf is something however! It could not be easier to make (principally: cook dinner the lentils; combine; bake; eat), and it packs big flavour. Plus, it is mushy and moist within the center, and completely crispy across the edges. It is excellent served with some mashed potatoes and a little bit of gravy!
This easy vegan lentil loaf would make an incredible vegetarian important course for Christmas or Thanksgiving – or simply some other cosy Sunday lunch all year long.
The recipe makes a great sized loaf – sufficient for about 6 individuals, so it is simply the factor to serve to company, and carve up within the centre of your dinner desk. Everybody loves a centrepiece, proper?
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❤️ Why You will Love This Recipe
- It is an simple recipe that you would be able to make any day of the yr, however it additionally feels particular sufficient for a celebration (maybe Christmas dinner!).
- The flavours on this vegan lentil loaf are great – though you can simply adapt the recipe to make use of totally different spices, or totally different greens, if you happen to choose.
- Any leftovers preserve rather well, and may simply be reheated within the microwave.
- We vegetarians need not miss out on the same old roast dinner trimmings, like roast potatoes and gravy – this lentil loaf will sit alongside them fantastically!
🥗 Components
Here is what you may must make this recipe. You will additionally want a number of cabinet staples, like oil, salt and pepper. See the printable recipe card beneath for detailed ingredient portions.
- pink lentils. In contrast to another sorts of lentils, pink lentils cook dinner down good and mushy, they usually carry a beautiful moist texture to the loaf.
- oats
- pink onion
- carrot – I grated my carrot into the loaf combination, however you can cube it good and small as a substitute, if you happen to’d choose a chunkier texture.
- garlic
- veggie inventory – I used a inventory dice, however jelly inventory or liquid inventory could be fantastic too.
- herbs and spices – dried thyme, smoked paprika, curry powder and floor cumin. The flavours are scrumptious, however will nonetheless mix in properly with the opposite components of your meal.
- recent chives
👌 Prime tip
In the event you’re planning to serve your lentil loaf differently, be at liberty to mess around with the spices you embrace. For instance, you can attempt utilizing your favorite Tex-Mex spices, and serve the lentil loaf with some crispy potato wedges and salad as a substitute.
🔄 Ingredient Modifications
Be at liberty to make this recipe your personal – it is very easy to customize with further greens. So long as you do not add so many extras that they cease the loaf from holding collectively correctly, try to be fantastic.
You would attempt including:
- grated courgette (zucchini)
- frozen peas
- frozen sweetcorn
- sautéed mushrooms (finely diced)
- chopped inexperienced beans
- sautéed diced peppers
Totally different combos of greens will carry totally different flavours and textures to the lentil loaf, so why not attempt one thing new every time!
🔪 Tools
The one ‘uncommon’ gear you may must make this vegan loaf is a loaf tin (it is type of within the title) – nothing too loopy, however it’s one thing you most likely do not use daily, and chances are you’ll not have already got one if you happen to’re new to cooking.
My loaf tin measures round 9 x 5 inches, and it is made from steel (somewhat than ceramic). I discover steel tins are greatest for spreading the warmth round the entire loaf, and giving a pleasant crispy crust.
Here is a steel loaf tin with nice opinions on Amazon UK – or, here is a set of two on Amazon US.
📋 Directions
Here is the right way to make this recipe – see beneath for the printable recipe with detailed substances and directions.
Step 1: Start by cooking the carrot and onion with all of the spices, then simmering with the pink lentils till it is all cooked down right into a significantly tasty combination.
Step 2: Combine in some oats, to thicken up the combination.
Step 3: Unfold the combination right into a effectively oiled loaf tin, and bake till crispy.
Step 4: Rigorously flip the lentil loaf out onto a board. As you possibly can see, the entrance nook of my loaf crumbled ever so barely, however usually this loaf holds collectively rather well! The steel tin undoubtedly helps to offer a crispy crust, which makes the loaf extra secure.
Step 5: Slice, and serve.
👌 Prime tip
In the event you’ve received a bit left after your meal, skinny slices of leftover lentil loaf make a very wonderful vegetarian sandwich filling!
💭 Recipe FAQs
No, you want pink lentils for this recipe. They cook dinner all the way down to be rather a lot softer than brown or inexperienced lentils, which helps to carry the loaf collectively, and in addition provides the loaf its mushy, moist texture.
Everybody’s definition of ‘wholesome’ is totally different, however this vegan lentil loaf is excessive in fibre and protein, and really low in saturated fats and ldl cholesterol, in order that makes it a reasonably wholesome choice for my part.
Sure! Simply put together the combination and switch it to the loaf tin, then retailer it within the fridge till you are able to bake it. It should take barely longer to bake if it is chilly from the fridge.
I choose utilizing the microwave to reheat leftover lentil loaf. It does lose slightly of its crispiness this fashion, however it’s fast and handy, and makes positive the loaf would not dry out.
🍛 Extra Straightforward Lentil Recipes
📖 Printable Recipe
Straightforward Vegan Lentil Loaf
A straightforward vegan lentil loaf that could not be easier to make, and finally ends up moist and stuffed with flavour! Excellent for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
In the event you’ve cooked this recipe, do not forget to go away a star score!
Servings: 6 individuals
Energy: 254kcal
(prevents your display from going darkish)
Directions
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Warmth the oil in a big saucepan (not frying pan), and add the diced onion, grated carrot and minced garlic. Cook dinner over a medium warmth for about 5 minutes, till barely softened.
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Add the smoked paprika, curry powder, thyme, cumin and black pepper, and cook dinner for an extra minute or two. In the event you’re planning to make use of low sodium inventory, you may additionally wish to add slightly salt.
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Subsequent, add the pink lentils and the veggie inventory. Deliver to a simmer, and cook dinner for round 20 minutes, stirring frequently, till the lentils are mushy. In direction of the tip of the cooking time, preheat the oven to 180°C (Fuel Mark 4 / 350°F).
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Subsequent add the oats and chopped chives, and blend completely to mix. The combination needs to be moist, however not runny.
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Completely oil a steel loaf tin (mine measured 9 x 5 inches), and switch the combination to the tin. Easy out the highest of the combination till flat.
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Place within the centre of the oven and cook dinner for round 40 minutes, till golden brown and crispy. Permit to face for five minutes earlier than turning out the loaf and slicing.
Vitamin
Serving: 1 slice – Energy: 254 kcal – Carbohydrates: 41.6 g – Protein: 12.6 g – Fats: 4.4 g – Saturated Fats: 0.6 g – Ldl cholesterol: 0 mg – Sodium: 12 mg – Potassium: 500 mg – Fiber: 13.8 g – Sugar: 2.3 g – Calcium: 52 mg – Iron: 4 mg
Dietary data is approximate, and can rely in your actual substances. Please calculate your personal dietary values if you happen to require accuracy for well being causes.
