This Lentil Mushroom Loaf with Mushroom Sauce is a wholesome and nutritious option, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Here’s a detailed description highlighting its health benefits:
Lentil Mushroom Loaf:
- Brown Lentils: A fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, lentils help promote a healthy digestive system and contribute to a feeling of fullness.
- Brown Onion and Garlic: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support cardiovascular health.
- Apple: Adds a natural sweetness and is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- Button Mushrooms: High in selenium and B vitamins, mushrooms are great for supporting the immune system and preventing cell damage.
- Carrot and Celery: Loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants that improve eye health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Sunflower Seeds: A great source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium which are vital for heart health, skin health, and energy production.
- Rolled Oats: Excellent for heart health and stabilizing blood sugar levels thanks to their high soluble fibre content.
- Ground Linseed (Flaxseed): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans that help improve cholesterol and promote hormonal balance.
- Herbs and Spices (Thyme, Rosemary, Paprika): Offer anti-inflammatory benefits and enhance the dish’s flavour while adding minimal calories.
- Dijon Mustard and Soy Sauce: Provide an umami flavour and contain small amounts of minerals and vitamins.
Mushroom Sauce:
- Mushrooms and Onion: Increase the dish’s nutritional density with additional selenium and B vitamins.
- Cornflour: Helps thicken the sauce without adding excessive fat or calories.
- Cashew Cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess along with heart-healthy fats and protein.
- Nutritional Yeast: A vegan flavor enhancer rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which is essential for energy and brain function.
- Vegetable Stock: Adds depth of flavour with minimal fat and is a good base for a low-calorie sauce.
This Lentil Mushroom Loaf with Mushroom Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that aligns well with a healthy lifestyle. It is particularly beneficial for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, offering a balanced profile of nutrients essential for overall health.
Lentil Mushroom Loaf with Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients
Lentil Mushroom Loaf
- 1 cup brown lentils dry
- 1 brown onion diced
- 1 apple cored and diced
- 2 tbsp vegan worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups button msuhrooms chipped
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 celery stick thinly sliced
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 2 tbsp ground linseed (flaxseed)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
Mushroom Sauce
- 450g button mushrooms sliced
- 1 brown onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- ½ cup cashew cream see notes
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
Lentil Mushroom Loaf
- Cook the lentils as per packet
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
- In a nonstick frypan with a little water or stock, dry fry the onion, garlic and mushrooms.
- Add the carrot, celery, and apple when the onion is transparent. Keep cooking, adding small amounts of water if required until the apple is soft.
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and pulse until mixed but still leaving the texture.
- Pour ingredients into a silicon or lined metal loaf tin and bake in the oven for 45 mins.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 mins to cool and set before slicing.
- Serve with mushroom sauce and your choice of vegetables.
Mushroom Sauce
- In fryng pan dry fry onions, mushroom and garlic until onions are translucent. Mix the cornflour 1/4 cup of the vegetable stock, set aside.Add all other ingredients in the pan and stir through, finally add in the cornflour mix to thicken. Pour over loaf while warm.