Heart-Healthy Savory Lentil Loaf

Discover the ultimate comfort food with a nourishing twist: Heart-Healthy Savory Lentil Loaf. Packed with nutrient-rich green or brown lentils and a medley of sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell peppers, this plant-based loaf is as wholesome as it is flavorful. Enhanced with heart-friendly ingredients like ground flaxseed and chopped walnuts, and seasoned with aromatic thyme, oregano, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, this recipe delivers a satisfying umami taste with every bite. Perfectly baked to a firm yet tender texture, this lentil loaf makes a fantastic meat-free centerpiece for dinner or a meal-prep essential for busy weeks. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply seeking a new healthy favorite, this flavorful dish is both filling and packed with plant-powered protein and fiber.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 6 tablespoons warm water
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, prepare the flaxseed mixture by combining the ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside to thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and finely dice the celery, carrot, and red bell pepper.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, thickened flax mixture, rolled oats, chopped walnuts, soy sauce or tamari, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, thyme, oregano, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to ensure it holds together.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the loaf is firm and the top is slightly browned.

Step 9

Allow the lentil loaf to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1423.6 grams (1423.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1360

Total Fat 66.60g	85%
Saturated Fat 7.60g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3324mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 153.00g	56%
Dietary Fiber 42.70g	153%
Total Sugars 28.40g
Protein 55.00g	110%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 328mg	25%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 3032mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 42.8%