A hearty and flavorful vegetarian lentil loaf, packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and oats, topped with a tangy tomato glaze. This dish is a perfect plant-based centerpiece for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown lentils)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup oats (quick or rolled)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for texture)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare Flax Egg:
- In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- Mash Lentils:
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture for a hearty bite.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Add the sautéed vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, walnuts (if using), tomato paste, soy sauce, and seasonings to the lentils.
- Stir in the flax egg and mix well until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Line a loaf pan or shape the mixture into a loaf form on parchment paper. Press firmly to compact the loaf.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Loaf:
- Carefully transfer the loaf (with parchment paper if not using a pan) into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the Glaze:
- While the loaf cooks, mix the glaze ingredients (ketchup, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar) in a small bowl.
- After 20 minutes, spread the glaze over the top of the loaf and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the loaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
Preparation Time:
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves:
- 4-6 people (depending on portion size)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 6g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
Notes:
- Use red lentils for a softer texture, but green or brown lentils hold their shape better in this recipe.
- Leftovers can be sliced and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor or swap walnuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Serve with vegan gravy for an extra festive touch.
Let me know if you’d like more details or a tweak for this recipe! 😊