Experience the ultimate comfort food with a plant-based twist! This Savory Vegan Delight is a reinvention of the classic meatloaf, delivering all the hearty, rich flavors you love without any meat. Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this vegan meatloaf is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy for a satisfying, nutritious meal!
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Key Information:
- Preparation time:
20 minutes
- Cooking time:
50 minutes
- Total time:
1 hour 10 minutes
- Number of servings:
6-8 slices
- Serving size:
1 slice (approx. 150g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
240 kcal
- Protein:
10 g
- Carbohydrates:
30 g
- Fat:
10 g
- Fiber:
7 g
- Sodium:
400 mg
Ingredients:
- 200g (1 cup) cooked lentils
- 150g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150g (1 cup) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water
(flax egg)
- 60ml (1/4 cup) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 60g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs (optional for texture)
Glaze:
- 60ml (1/4 cup) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (15 ml)
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven
to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some
overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the flax egg:
In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5
minutes to thicken.
- Sauté the vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions,
mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7
minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, rolled oats, sautéed
vegetables, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme,
cumin, black pepper, and salt. If the mixture feels too wet, stir in the
breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Form the loaf:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down firmly
to shape it evenly.
- Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake:
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until firm to
the touch and golden on top.
- Cool before slicing:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan
and slicing. This helps it firm up for clean slices.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Cook lentils ahead:
Make sure your lentils are fully cooked and drained to avoid excess
moisture in the loaf.
- For texture variation, pulse the oats in a blender for a finer consistency,
or leave them whole for a heartier bite.
- Let it rest:
Allowing the loaf to cool before slicing prevents it from crumbling and
ensures perfect slices.
- Make ahead:
The loaf can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving,
allowing the flavors to develop even more.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for extra
heat, or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I freeze this vegan meatloaf? Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in
plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven for best results.
- What can I use instead of lentils? You can substitute lentils with cooked chickpeas,
black beans, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a different texture and
flavor.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs to
make the meatloaf gluten-free.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add grated carrots, zucchini, or bell
peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze adds a nice sweetness and tang, but you can skip it if you
prefer a simpler loaf or replace it with barbecue sauce.
This Savory Vegan Delight is a meatloaf reinvented for the modern kitchen, offering rich, hearty flavors without any meat. Whether you're vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and savor every comforting bite!