I will admit, I typically discover lentil loaves a bit dry, and a bit bland – however this straightforward vegan lentil loaf is something however! It could not be easier to make (mainly: prepare dinner the lentils; combine; bake; eat), and it packs large flavour. Plus, it is comfortable and moist within the center, and completely crispy across the edges. It is good served with some mashed potatoes and a little bit of gravy!
This straightforward vegan lentil loaf would make a tremendous vegetarian major course for Christmas or Thanksgiving – or simply another cosy Sunday lunch all year long.
The recipe makes a superb sized loaf – sufficient for about 6 folks, so it is simply the factor to serve to friends, and carve up within the centre of your dinner desk. Everybody loves a centrepiece, proper?
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❤️ Why You may Love This Recipe
- It is an straightforward recipe that you would be able to make any day of the 12 months, however it additionally feels particular sufficient for a celebration (maybe Christmas dinner!).
- The flavours on this vegan lentil loaf are great – though you could possibly simply adapt the recipe to make use of completely different spices, or completely different greens, should you choose.
- Any leftovers preserve very well, and may simply be reheated within the microwave.
- We vegetarians need not miss out on the standard roast dinner trimmings, like roast potatoes and gravy – this lentil loaf will sit alongside them superbly!
🥗 Components
Here is what you may have to make this recipe. You may additionally want a couple of cabinet staples, like oil, salt and pepper. See the printable recipe card beneath for detailed ingredient portions.
- purple lentils. In contrast to another sorts of lentils, purple lentils prepare dinner down good and comfortable, they usually convey a stunning moist texture to the loaf.
- oats
- purple onion
- carrot – I grated my carrot into the loaf combination, however you could possibly cube it good and small as a substitute, should you’d choose a chunkier texture.
- garlic
- veggie inventory – I used a inventory dice, however jelly inventory or liquid inventory can be tremendous 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 parts of your meal.
- recent chives
👌 Prime tip
Should you’re planning to serve your lentil loaf differently, be happy to mess around with the spices you embrace. For instance, you could possibly 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 happy 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, you need to be tremendous.
You might attempt including:
- grated courgette (zucchini)
- frozen peas
- frozen sweetcorn
- sautéed mushrooms (finely diced)
- chopped inexperienced beans
- sautéed diced peppers
Completely different mixtures of greens will convey completely different flavours and textures to the lentil loaf, so why not attempt one thing new every time!
🔪 Gear
The one ‘uncommon’ tools you may have to make this vegan loaf is a loaf tin (it is sort of within the title) – nothing too loopy, however it’s one thing you most likely do not use day by day, and chances are you’ll not have already got one should you’re new to cooking.
My loaf tin measures round 9 x 5 inches, and it is made from steel (fairly than ceramic). I discover steel tins are finest for spreading the warmth round the entire loaf, and giving a pleasant crispy crust.
Here is a steel loaf tin with nice evaluations 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 components and directions.
Step 1: Start by cooking the carrot and onion with all of the spices, then simmering with the purple 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 properly oiled loaf tin, and bake till crispy.
Step 4: Rigorously flip the lentil loaf out onto a board. As you may see, the entrance nook of my loaf crumbled ever so barely, however typically this loaf holds collectively very well! The steel tin undoubtedly helps to present a crispy crust, which makes the loaf extra steady.
Step 5: Slice, and serve.
👌 Prime tip
Should you’ve obtained a bit left after your meal, skinny slices of leftover lentil loaf make a extremely superb vegetarian sandwich filling!
💭 Recipe FAQs
No, you want purple lentils for this recipe. They prepare dinner all the way down to be lots softer than brown or inexperienced lentils, which helps to carry the loaf collectively, and likewise offers the loaf its comfortable, moist texture.
Everybody’s definition of ‘wholesome’ is completely 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’ll 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 a bit of its crispiness this fashion, however it’s fast and handy, and makes positive the loaf does not dry out.
🍛 Extra Simple Lentil Recipes
📖 Printable Recipe
Simple Vegan Lentil Loaf
Should you’ve cooked this recipe, do not forget to depart a star ranking!
Servings: 6 folks
Energy: 254kcal
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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 prepare dinner for an additional minute or two. Should you’re planning to make use of low sodium inventory, you may also wish to add a bit salt.
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Subsequent, add the purple lentils and the veggie inventory. Carry to a simmer, and prepare dinner for round 20 minutes, stirring repeatedly, till the lentils are comfortable. 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 totally to mix. The combination ought to be moist, however not runny.
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Totally oil a steel loaf tin (mine measured 9 x 5 inches), and switch the combination to the tin. Clean out the highest of the combination till flat.
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Place within the centre of the oven and prepare dinner for round 40 minutes, till golden brown and crispy. Enable to face for five minutes earlier than turning out the loaf and slicing.
Diet
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 info is approximate, and can rely in your actual components. Please calculate your personal dietary values should you require accuracy for well being causes.
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