Vegan Lentil Meatloaf with Mushrooms and Walnuts

Vegan Meatloaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (ground flaxseeds)
  • 2.5 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) lentils, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked lentils)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed meal with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
    Note: A “flax egg” is a common vegan substitute for eggs in baking and cooking. It’s made by mixing ground flaxseed (flaxseed meal) with water, which creates a gel-like consistency similar to that of an egg. This helps bind ingredients together in recipes.
  3. Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the carrot, celery, and mushrooms, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, lentils, breadcrumbs, oats, walnuts, ketchup, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and the flax egg. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it down firmly to shape it into a loaf.
  6. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the loaf is firm and the top is slightly caramelized.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Enjoy your vegan meatloaf with your favorite sides!