Christmas Eve Mushroom and Lentil Loaf
This savory lentil loaf, packed with earthy mushrooms, is a perfect Christmas Eve dinner centerpiece. Topped with a festive cranberry glaze, it’s hearty, comforting, and full of holiday flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked green lentils
- 2 cups mushrooms finely chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ cup gluten-free oats
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 5 tbsp water flax egg
- salt and pepper to taste
- For Cranberry Glaze:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a pan until soft.
- In a food processor, combine cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, thyme, sage, oats, and flax egg. Pulse until combined but still textured. Season with salt and pepper.
- Press the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 35 minutes.
- For the glaze, simmer cranberries, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Spread the cranberry glaze over the loaf and bake for another 10 minutes.
Notes
Notes:
Extra texture: Add walnuts to the loaf mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Meal: Serve with roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Extras: The cranberry glaze can also be used for other holiday dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts.
Time-Saving Tips for Making the Christmas Eve Mushroom and Lentil Loaf:
1. Use Pre-Cooked Lentils:
• Purchase pre-cooked lentils from the store (often available in the produce or canned goods section) to skip the cooking step entirely.
2. Pre-Chop Ingredients:
• Prep mushrooms, onions, and garlic ahead of time, or buy pre-diced versions to reduce prep time.
3. Make the Glaze in Advance:
• Cook the cranberry glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it while the loaf bakes.
4. Batch Prep:
• Double the loaf mixture and freeze one portion for a quick future meal. The uncooked loaf freezes well.
5. Food Processor Hack:
• Use the food processor to chop the mushrooms, onion, and garlic together before sautéing to save chopping time.
6. Line the Loaf Pan with Parchment Paper:
• For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line the loaf pan with parchment paper.
7. Plan the Meal as a Whole:
• Roast vegetables alongside the loaf in the same oven to save time on cooking a side dish.
8. Use a Single Skillet:
• Sauté all the veggies in one skillet to minimize dishes.
9. Meal Prep Ahead:
• Assemble the loaf mixture the night before, press it into the pan, and refrigerate. On the day of, simply bake and add the glaze.
10. Simplify the Glaze:
• If you’re short on time, use store-bought cranberry sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a quick glaze alternative.
These tips ensure a stress-free cooking experience while still creating a festive, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday meal! Let me know if you’d like additional ideas or serving suggestions.
Nutrition
Serving: 4gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 14gFiber: 12gSugar: 16g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
