Vegan Savory Lentil Loaf

Rich, hearty, and packed with plant-based goodness, this Vegan Savory Lentil Loaf is the ultimate comfort food for dinner. Made with tender green or brown lentils, sautéed vegetables, and warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, this dish delivers layers of satisfying flavor in every bite. A sweet and tangy maple-ketchup glaze caramelized atop the loaf takes it to the next level, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This easy-to-make recipe is held together with a nourishing flaxseed "egg" and is a great way to incorporate whole grains like rolled oats into your diet. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep, this protein-packed lentil loaf is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:70 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
• 5 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 units celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 quarters rolled oats
• 3 quarters breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Step 2

Rinse the lentils under cold water, then place them in a saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons of water, stirring to mix well. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as your flax egg, helping to bind the loaf together.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of ketchup into the vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute more.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, flax egg, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Step 8

Transfer the lentil mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly to remove any air pockets.

Step 9

For the glaze, mix together 1/2 cup of ketchup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the lentil loaf.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the loaf is firm and the glaze is slightly caramelized.

Step 11

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1723.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1915.7

Total Fat 53.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7819.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.8g	0%
Total Sugars 79.1g
Protein 70.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 460.9mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 3904.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.1%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 61.7%