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Hearty Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf: 1 Joyful Holiday Roast

Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf

Make your holiday table shine with this hearty and flavorful Vegan Lentil Walnut Loaf. It’s a delicious plant-based centerpiece that’s perfect for festive gatherings and everyday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Transfer the lentil mixture to a large bowl. Add chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Mash with a fork or potato masher until well combined.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm.
  8. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the lentil mixture.
  • Serve with your favorite gravy or a side of mashed potatoes.
  • This loaf can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Nutrition