Lentil Loaf with Egg (Recipe)

If you’re searching for a satisfying dinner or a wholesome meatless option, look no further than Lentil Loaf with Egg. This flavorful and nutritious recipe combines green lentils, bread, eggs, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and a variety of spices to create a delicious and hearty loaf that will please both veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike. With a cook time of 50 minutes and a total time of 1 hour 35 minutes, this Lentil Loaf with Egg is a filling and flavorful choice for any night of the week.

Key Takeaways:

• Lentil Loaf with Egg is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish.
• This recipe combines green lentils, bread, eggs, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and spices.
• It is a perfect option for a satisfying dinner or a wholesome meatless meal.
• Lentil Loaf with Egg has a cook time of 50 minutes and a total time of 1 hour 35 minutes.
• With its hearty texture and flavorful taste, Lentil Loaf with Egg is a great addition to any meal rotation.

Lentil Loaf Ingredients

In order to make a delicious and satisfying Lentil Loaf with Egg, you will need a variety of flavorful ingredients. The combination of these ingredients creates a vegetarian meat loaf that is both nutritious and filling.

The key ingredients for Lentil Loaf with Egg include:

• Brown lentils: These form the base of the loaf, providing a meaty texture and a good source of protein and fiber.
• Sauteed vegetables: Carrots, onions, and mushrooms are sauteed until tender and mixed into the lentils for added flavor and texture.
• Precooked brown rice: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a nutty taste to the loaf.
• Aromatic herbs: Basil and parsley are included for their fresh and fragrant taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese brings all the ingredients together, creating a delicious and melty filling.

By combining these ingredients together, you can create a Lentil Loaf with Egg that is packed with flavor and provides a satisfying vegetarian alternative to traditional meatloaf.

Stay tuned for the next section, where we will explore the step-by-step process of making Lentil Loaf with Egg!

How to Make Lentil Loaf with Egg

Making a lentil loaf with egg is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious vegetarian meat loaf:

1. Cook the lentils: In a small saucepan, cook the lentils until tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess water and set aside.
2. Prepare the loaf pan: Grease a loaf pan with oil to prevent the loaf from sticking.
3. Cook the vegetables: In a skillet, saute the vegetables of your choice until they are tender. You can use carrots, onions, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you prefer.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sauteed vegetables, bread, eggs, vegetable broth, tomato paste, spices, and cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the lentil loaf: Spread the lentil mixture into the prepared loaf pan, making sure to press it down firmly to remove any air pockets.
6. Bake the lentil loaf: Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
7. Sprinkle bread crumbs: After 40 minutes of baking, sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the lentil loaf for added texture and crunch.
8. Continue baking: Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Let it rest: Remove the lentil loaf from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the loaf to set and makes it easier to slice.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Lentil Loaf with Egg! Serve it with your favorite sides or sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Variation

If you prefer to make a vegan lentil loaf, you can replace the eggs with chia seeds or flax meal mixed with water. This will still provide the binding agent necessary to hold the ingredients together.

Nutrition Facts of Lentil Loaf with Egg

Lentil loaf with egg is not only delicious, but it is also a nutritious option. This vegetarian dish provides a balanced combination of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts of lentil loaf with egg:

Lentils, the main ingredient in this dish, are rich in dietary fiber, providing 12 grams per serving. In addition to fiber, lentils are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. These nutrient-dense legumes contribute to the overall nutritional value of the lentil loaf with egg.

With approximately 272 calories per serving, this lentil loaf is relatively low in calories, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free meal option. The moderate fat content at 6 grams per serving ensures a well-rounded flavor profile without excessive fat intake.

The lentil loaf with egg also provides a good amount of carbohydrates at 41 grams per serving, supplying the energy needed for daily activities. Additionally, the 15 grams of protein per serving make this dish a substantial source of plant-based protein to support muscle growth and repair.

Overall, lentil loaf with egg offers a range of nutrients essential for a well-balanced vegetarian meal. Its lower calorie content, favorable macronutrient profile, and added vitamins and minerals from lentils make it a healthy choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.

Tips for Lentil Loaf with Egg

When making Lentil Loaf with Egg, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful and delicious outcome. Whether you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, these tips will help you make a Lentil Loaf that is flavorful, satisfying, and holds together perfectly.

1. Vegan Variation: If you prefer a vegan Lentil Loaf, you can easily replace the egg with chia seeds or flax meal. These natural binders will help hold the loaf together without compromising flavor or texture.
2. Avoid Mushy Loaf: To avoid ending up with a mushy Lentil Loaf, it’s essential to cook the lentils until they are tender but not overcooked. This will help maintain the integrity of the loaf and give it a pleasant texture when sliced and served.
3. Crush Lentils: Lightly crushing half of the cooked lentils can help release some moisture, which aids in binding the ingredients together. This simple step can prevent a mushy consistency and give your Lentil Loaf the perfect balance of tenderness and firmness.
4. Serving Suggestions: Lentil Loaf pairs wonderfully with green sides like salads or cooked vegetables. The freshness and crunch of greens complement the savory flavors of the loaf. Additionally, you can serve your Lentil Loaf with delicious accompaniments such as mushroom gravy or a bold glaze like barbecue sauce. These add-ons enhance the taste and provide variety to the overall meal.

Pro tip:

For extra flavor, try creating a tangy glaze by combining ketchup, mustard, and a touch of maple syrup. Spread this mixture over the Lentil Loaf before baking for a delightful caramelized finish.

Remember, Lentil Loaf with Egg is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your dietary preferences and taste preferences. With these tips, you can master the art of making a Lentil Loaf that is not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious.

Storing and Freezing Lentil Loaf with Egg

If you have leftovers of lentil loaf with egg, it’s important to properly store and freeze them to maintain their freshness and flavor. Follow these simple steps to make the most of your lentil loaf:

Storing Lentil Loaf:

1. Refrigeration: Place the leftover lentil loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Duration: You can store lentil loaf in the refrigerator for up to five days.
3. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated slices, use a toaster, oven, or skillet until warm and heated through.
4. Serving: Serve the reheated lentil loaf as a quick and convenient meal.

Freezing Lentil Loaf:

1. Cooling: Allow the lentil loaf to cool completely before freezing.
2. Wrap: Wrap the cooled lentil loaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
3. Storage: Place the wrapped lentil loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
4. Duration: You can freeze the cooked lentil loaf for up to three months.
5. Thawing: Thaw the frozen lentil loaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For individual servings, you can also freeze sliced portions. Simply place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe container or bag for long-term storage.

“Properly storing and freezing your lentil loaf with egg ensures that you can enjoy it for an extended period, minimizing waste and maximizing convenience.”

By following these storage and freezing techniques, you can easily make lentil loaf ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you please. Whether you’re saving leftovers for another meal or preparing a batch in advance, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious lentil loaf ready to go.

Conclusion

Lentil loaf with egg is a delightful and nourishing option for those seeking a flavorful vegetarian dinner or a satisfying meatless meal. This recipe showcases the rich combination of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a wholesome and delectable dish that is sure to entice your taste buds. With its simplicity and use of common kitchen ingredients, lentil loaf with egg can easily become a go-to recipe for a healthy and hearty dinner option.

Whether you are looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet or simply want to explore new and delicious vegetarian recipes, lentil loaf with egg offers a perfect solution. This dish not only provides a satisfying alternative to traditional meat loaves, but it is also packed with nutritional benefits. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making this lentil loaf a healthy choice for a well-rounded meal.

By preparing a lentil loaf with egg, you can enjoy a versatile and flavorful dish that caters to various dietary preferences and requirements. Its natural combination of ingredients and the flexibility to customize herbs and spices allow you to experiment and create a personalized lentil loaf recipe that suits your taste. Whether served with a side of green salad or topped with mushroom gravy or a tangy barbecue sauce, lentil loaf with egg offers a multitude of serving options to enhance your dining experience.

With its robust flavor, nutritional value, and simplicity, lentil loaf with egg is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional meat loaves. Embrace this vegetarian masterpiece and savor the goodness of lentils and vegetables while relishing a tasteful and meatless meal.