Winter Wellness Vegan Roast (Printable)
Hearty plant-based loaf with seasonal vegetables and lentils, spiced for winter comfort.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
02 - 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
03 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 5.3 oz cremini or button mushrooms, chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Protein & Grains
08 - 7 oz cooked green or brown lentils (about 1 cup cooked)
09 - 1 cup rolled oats
10 - 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
→ Binders & Flavor
11 - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water (flax egg)
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
15 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
18 - 1 tsp salt
19 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Topping (optional)
20 - 2 tbsp cranberry sauce or chutney
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Mix ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes until thickened.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, and mushrooms for 8-10 minutes until softened.
04 - Add sweet potato and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, cooked lentils, oats, breadcrumbs, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
06 - Mix thoroughly using hands or a potato masher to slightly mash the mixture and help it hold together.
07 - Press mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top surface.
08 - Spread cranberry sauce or chutney over the top for a festive glaze, if desired.
09 - Bake for 45-55 minutes until firm and golden on top. Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
10 - Carefully lift out of the pan, slice, and serve with vegan gravy and sides of your choice.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture walks that perfect line between tender and substantial, holding its shape beautifully on the plate
- It makes enough for generous seconds, plus leftovers that taste even better tucked into sandwiches the next day
- The spice blend creates this incredible warmth that feels like a hug on the coldest days
02 -
- I once skipped the cooling step after sautéing the vegetables and the flax egg basically cooked from the residual heat, making the mixture crumbly
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the tin seems tedious but it is what prevents slices from falling apart later
03 -
- If you want a firmer texture, reduce the oats slightly and increase the breadcrumbs
- Adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the mixture deepens the savory flavor