Are you tired of boring, bland vegetarian dishes that leave you craving more? Get ready to transform your meal experience with this incredibly delicious Cranberry Mushroom Lentil Loaf - a culinary masterpiece that combines hearty lentils, savory mushrooms, and a tangy cranberry twist! This isn't just another vegetarian recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will make even meat-lovers ask for seconds. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you want to impress your guests with a nutritious and mouthwatering dish.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become slightly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and sage. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing down firmly to create a compact and even surface.
- Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the loaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Slice into 8 even portions and serve warm, optionally garnished with additional cranberry sauce or fresh herbs.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked lentils for the best texture - avoid canned or overly mushy lentils.
- Make sure to sauté vegetables thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure a compact, slice-friendly loaf.
- Let the loaf rest after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For extra moisture, you can add a splash of vegetable broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of extra cranberry sauce for an additional flavor boost.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
