Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf

We are inching closer to the holiday period, and today, I want to bring you the fourth recipe in our small holiday “series”: A Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf. This loaf truly packs so much flavor! It pairs perfectly well with these Creamy Mashed Potatoes, German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl), and Tasty Vegan Mushroom Gravy. You can totally either mix and match these recipes, or create a full menu from them 🥰.

Have I raved about the taste of this dish yet?? I honestly cannot tell you how beautiful, wholesome, and flavorful it is. I was truly surprised the first time I made it – and it is the perfect highlight of your (vegan) festive menu. There is something about the combination of loads of fresh veggies, lentils, and walnuts, paired with the spices of thyme, paprika, and some pepper. It is just 👌🏻. And yes, this dish does take a bit of time to be prepped and baked, but rest assured – it is totally worth it!!

Why is this Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf good for you?

Lentils

Lentils come from the legume family and are originally from both Asia and North Africa. They tend to be categorized by their color (e.g. brown, red, yellow, green). The lentils used in this dish are beluga lentils. Lentils are a protein and fiber powerhouse! They also tend to have a variety of B Vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. What’s more, each Lentil type has its own, unique, composition of phytochemicals and antioxidants. They contain polyphenols, which (next to being an antioxidant) contain strong anti-inflammatory properties. This type of antioxidant may also protect against certain types of cancers, as well as improve blood sugar levels. The beluga lentil type also contains anthocyanin. Anthocyanin has strong anti-cancer effects. It can also protect against cardiovascular diseases and is, thereby, beneficial for your heart health.

Walnuts

Have you ever noticed that Walnuts kind of look like a brain? Can you see it 😉? I like to believe the Walnut is shaped like a brain because it is an absolute brain super-food. Walnuts are anti-inflammatory and super high in antioxidants Vitamin E, melatonin, and polyphenols. Next to the antioxidants, Walnuts are also rich in alpha-linolenic acid, basically a plant-based Omega 3 fatty acid. Combined, these two combat oxidative stress, and inflammation – two now-known contributors to cognitive decline. Additionally, the antioxidants in Walnuts may also lower your “bad” cholesterol levels, which further reduces oxidative stress and the potential health challenges that come with it.

Thyme

As with all green herbs, Thyme is pretty powerful. It belongs to the mint family and is a herb that is starting to get recognized more and more for its medicinal properties. Thyme has strong anti-bacterial components. So strong, that when used as a tincture (= steeping Thyme in alcohol for a few weeks), it appears to treat acne particularly well. Thyme essential oil may also be beneficial in multiple ways. 1. It may help against coughs. Next time you are having a cough, try drinking some thyme tea. 2. It’s anti-fungal properties may be a great disinfectant against low-grade mold. In addition, Thyme is an excellent source of Vitamin C and A. Both of these Vitamins are great for our immunity and are particularly beneficial during the cold and flu season.

How can I prep this recipe in advance

There are several options as to how you can prep this Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf in advance. 1. You could simply cook the lentils in advance. 2. You could prep the veggies the day prior, and keep them separate until you are combining them into a loaf (adding the spices, oil, balsamic vinegar). 3. You could make the entire loaf a few hours prior to putting it into the oven. I would say that it easily lasts in the form for about 6 – 7 hours prior to baking.

How can I adjust this recipe to my dietary requirements?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free (if you are celiac, please be sure to use certified gluten-free oats), vegetarian, and vegan. Due to the grain content from the lentils and oats, as well as the walnuts, this dish is, sadly, not nut-free or paleo.

And that is it for this week 🤗. I hope you enjoyed this festive menu, which we will be closing out with a super-duper, jump around and dance, amazing dessert early next week 💃! Please let me know how you are liking the loaf! You know I love to hear from you, both over on Instagram or in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf

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Recipe by Ann Robejsek Course: MainsCuisine: Vegan, gluten-freeDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Baking Time

85

minutes

This Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf is super flavorful. The dish is fully vegan, super healthy, and absolutely wholesome and delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion

• 3 garlic cloves

• ½ cup (100 gr.) uncooked beluga lentils

• 2 cups (500 ml.) water

• 2 stalks celery

• 1 large carrot (about 200 gr.)

• 2 small or 1 medium apple

• 1 cup walnuts (116 gr.)

• 125 gr. mushrooms

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 3 tsp dried thyme

• 1.5 tsp salt

• ½ tsp paprika

• A large dash of pepper to taste

• 1 cup (140 gr.) oat flour

• 1 cup (140 gr.) oats

How to

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) top and bottom heat. Take out a bread-baking form (diameters about 25 cm long, 11 cm wide, and 8 cm high) and put a baking sheet in
• Wash the lentils under running water before transferring to a pot alongside 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then turn on low heat and let simmer for about 25 minutes until cooked through. When done, drain any excess water and put it aside
• Meanwhile, prepare the other “loaf” ingredients. Take out a big bowl so that you can easily add the cut ingredients to it and clear out your kitchen board: Peel and finely chop the onion, as well as grate the garlic. Wash the celery, carrot, apple, and mushrooms. Finely cut the celery. De-stem the mushrooms and chop them into smallish pieces. Grate the carrot. Core the apple and also grate (I tend to use a food processor for both the apple and carrot). In a food processor, pulse the walnuts a few times. Add the lentils and pulse a bit more so that you have a slight “mushiness” (technical term 😉). Also, transfer to the bowl. As the last step, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, paprika, pepper, oat flour, and oats. Mix everything through (I tend to use my hands for this step). Put into a bread baking form and really tightly push the mixture in. This step is super important, in order for the loaf to hold its form. Bake for ca. 1 hour and 25 minutes until the top of the loaf has turned golden
• Take the Lentil Mushroom Walnut “Meat” Loaf out of the oven and let it slightly cool before lifting it out of the form. The loaf will be soft whilst hot and gradually holds its form the cooler it becomes (this is a property of gluten-free baking). The taste is not impacted in any way though. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes and ENJOY!!