Imagine a plant-based main dish so delicious and satisfying that even die-hard meat lovers will be asking for seconds! This stuffed vegan turkey roast is not just a meal, it's a culinary revolution that transforms humble ingredients like lentils and walnuts into a mouthwatering centerpiece that will steal the spotlight at any holiday gathering. Prepare to redefine what plant-based cooking can truly be – a celebration of flavor, texture, and compassionate eating that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed vegan turkey roast cooks evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, grated carrots, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, soy sauce, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Once mixed, shape the mixture into a loaf form, resembling a turkey roast. You can adjust the shape to your preference, making it slightly oval or rectangular.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place the shaped lentil mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while it bakes. This will help ensure that the roast remains tender.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the top to brown slightly.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the stuffed vegan turkey roast from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
- Serve your stuffed vegan turkey roast warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked lentils for the best texture and flavor – avoid canned if possible.
- Toast your walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Make sure to sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop a deeper, sweeter flavor profile.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking – it helps the roast set and makes slicing easier.
- For extra moisture, you can brush the roast with a mixture of vegetable broth and olive oil during the uncovered baking phase.
- Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or parsley to customize the flavor.
- If the roast starts browning too quickly, cover it again with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve with homemade vegan gravy for an even more indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
