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Savory Vegan Lentil Loaf with Smoky Glaze

A nostalgic, hearty plant-based main dish — full of flavor, comfort, and Friendsgiving pride.
Course Holiday Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Vegan
Keyword Canadian Vegan Comfort Food, Friendsgiving Vegan Recipe, Plant-Based Holiday Meal, Smoky Vegan Main Dish, Vegan Lentil Loaf
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 200g green lentils
  • Vegetable broth for simmering
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 carrot chopped
  • 1 celery stalk chopped
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup 85g breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
  • 6 tbsp water for flax egg
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Smoky Glaze

  • Ketchup
  • Splash of liquid smoke
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

  • Simmer 1 cup of green lentils in vegetable broth until tender.
  • In a separate pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add garlic at the end to avoid burning.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed veggies, breadcrumbs, and flaxseeds whisked with water (as your egg replacement).
  • Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  • Press mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
  • For the glaze, whisk together ketchup, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Brush it generously over the loaf.
  • Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the flavors meld and the loaf hold its shape.

Notes

Add diced mushrooms for deeper umami flavor.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it GF-friendly.
Great for meal prep — holds up well in the fridge.
Leftovers make amazing sandwiches!