Easy Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze: Your Friendsgiving Superstar 🌟
Friendsgiving season is here, and with it comes the fun of gathering around a table with the family we’ve chosen: our friends. Whether you’re hosting or joining a potluck, finding that perfect dish that satisfies every palate (and diet) can be tricky. Enter the Easy Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze—a hearty, plant-based main course that’s sure to make everyone’s plate feel festive.
This loaf is a celebration of flavor, nourishment, and togetherness. With a mix of wholesome lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a maple glaze that strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, this dish promises to be a conversation starter. It’s not only packed with protein and fiber but also embodies that cozy, homely feeling that any holiday gathering deserves.
Why an easy vegan lentil loaf deserves a spot at your Friendsgiving table:
1. Inclusive and Delicious: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to switch up your traditional mains, this lentil loaf hits the mark. Its hearty texture is perfect for replacing meat-based dishes, ensuring that everyone, from plant-based eaters to meat-lovers, leaves satisfied.
2. Festive Flavors: The maple glaze adds that subtle touch of sweetness and tang that elevates the earthy lentils. Combined with herbs like thyme and smoked paprika, the loaf embodies the warm, inviting flavors we crave in the cooler months.
3. Easy and Efficient: Life can get busy, especially during the holiday season. This loaf comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.
How to Make Your Friendsgiving Lentil Loaf Shine:
Make it the centerpiece by arranging it on a platter with roasted seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even cranberries for a pop of color. Add a side of vegan mashed sweet potatoes or a crisp winter salad, and you’ve got a well-rounded spread that impresses visually and taste-wise.
Here’s how to make this easy lentil loaf come to life:
- Prep Time: Preheat your oven and line a loaf pan. The parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that no tasty bits get stuck.
- Build the Base: Cook your lentils if you haven’t already. They should be tender but not overly mushy—some texture is good for holding the loaf together.
- Create Flavor Layers: Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant. This step brings out their natural sweetness and infuses the loaf with deeper flavor.
- Combine and Mix: Mash the lentils slightly, add your veggies, oat flour, spices, and the flax egg to hold everything together. The mix should be moist but firm enough to form a loaf.
- Glaze and Bake: Spread your maple glaze over the top for a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish. Bake, cool, and slice—it’s that easy!
Friendsgiving Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing this dish to a potluck, bake it the day before and reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully when they sit overnight, making the loaf even tastier the next day.
Why Your Guests Will Thank You:
Every slice of this lentil loaf comes with the reassurance that you’re nourishing your body and sharing food that aligns with midlife wellness goals: high in fiber, packed with plant-based protein, and free from overly processed ingredients. The maple glaze adds just the right amount of indulgence without the heaviness of traditional sauces or gravies.
So this Friendsgiving, skip the store-bought main courses and bring this homemade, heartwarming Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze. Watch as your friends savor each bite and toast to another year of laughter, gratitude, and community.
Share the Love: Pair this recipe with your favorite cranberry sauce or an herby vegan gravy, and don’t forget to send your guests home with the recipe—they’ll be asking for it!
Ready to start cooking? Bookmark this recipe, grab your apron, and let the Friendsgiving magic begin! 🍽️
Friendsgiving Recipes
Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf
Try this easy vegan lentil loaf with maple glaze—a perfect, hearty main dish for Friendsgiving and holidays. Delicious, plant-based, and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
Maple Glaze:
To Make
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Preheat oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
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Prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
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Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a bit of water until soft (about 5 minutes).
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In a large bowl, mash the lentils slightly with a fork, leaving some texture. Add the sautéed vegetables, oat flour, spices, and flax egg. Mix well. Alternatively, add everything to a food processor and give it a few pulses until desired consistency.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press down firmly.
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Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple glaze ingredients. Spread over the top of the loaf.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 slice
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
