Glazed Lentil Loaf with Mustard

The glazed lentil loaf with mustard is a dish rich in plant proteins and very flavorful, perfect for those following a vegetarian diet or simply looking for a tasty alternative to meat. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 250 g of dry lentils (or canned lentils already cooked for a faster version)
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 egg (or an egg substitute if you are vegan)
• 70 g of breadcrumbs, plus more if needed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried rosemary
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of mustard (preferably whole grain or Dijon)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan version)
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

Preparation

1. If using dry lentils, soak them for several hours or overnight, then drain and boil in clean water until tender, but not mushy. If using canned lentils, drain and rinse them well.

2. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

3. In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook over medium heat until they are soft and slightly golden.

4. In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until you achieve a homogeneous but slightly lumpy consistency.

5. Add the sautéed vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to the lentil mixture. Mix well until you obtain a uniform dough. If the mixture is too moist, add more breadcrumbs until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Form a loaf with the dough and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. To prepare the glaze, mix the mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.

8. Brush the loaf with the mustard glaze and then bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the glaze has caramelized.

9. Once cooked, let the lentil loaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it.

Curiosity

The traditional meatloaf is made with meat, but this lentil version is an ideal alternative for those looking for meat-free and nutrient-rich dishes. The mustard glaze adds a touch of spicy and sweet flavor that balances well with the naturalness of the lentils.