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Vegan Barbecue Lentil Loaf Recipe

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4 from 30 reviews

This Vegan Barbecue Lentil Loaf is a flavorful, hearty plant-based dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made primarily with brown lentils, smoky chipotle spice, and a rich homemade barbecue sauce, this loaf combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements with a satisfying texture, making it an excellent vegan alternative to traditional meatloaf. It is baked to perfection, allowing the cornmeal and flaxseed to bind the mixture into a firm, sliceable loaf, ideal for serving with extra BBQ sauce and optional fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

For the Lentils

  • Two 15-ounce cans or 2 cups (370g) cooked brown lentils, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 1/2 heaping cup (80g) finely chopped white onion
  • 1 packed tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup water (for cooking veggies)
  • 1 cup (240g) BBQ sauce (reserve 3/4 cup for mix and 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 1/2 cup (80g) medium grind coarse cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili spice (reduce to 1/4 tsp if sensitive)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) frozen sweet organic corn

5 Minute BBQ Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120g) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (120g) water
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon yellow wet mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (40g) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons unsulphured regular molasses
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang for easy removal. Spray any exposed sides of the pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the onion and garlic: In a pan over medium heat, add 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Add finely chopped onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt, simmer for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until the water evaporates.
  3. Mash lentils: Add one can of lentils to a large bowl and mash well to form a paste to help bind the loaf. Add the second can of lentils without mashing.
  4. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the lentils. Stir in 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce, chipotle chili spice, and an additional pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Add dry ingredients and corn: Sprinkle cornmeal and ground flaxseed into the mixture and stir vigorously for about a minute until the batter becomes thick and sticky. Fold in the frozen sweet corn gently.
  6. Form the loaf: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing and smoothing it evenly to the corners. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb moisture, ensuring good texture.
  7. Top with BBQ sauce and bake: Spread 4 to 6 tablespoons of the remaining barbecue sauce evenly over the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the loaf is firm and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool for at least 20 minutes (preferably 30 minutes) to firm up and prevent crumbling. Carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and transfer to a serving platter. Slice gently and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce spread on top and optional fresh parsley garnish.

Notes

  • BBQ Sauce: Use a smoky and flavorful BBQ sauce for best results; the homemade sauce recipe included is strong and perfect for this loaf. Alternatively, Stubbs “Smoky Mesquite” has been tested and works well.
  • Lentils: Using canned lentils is a convenient shortcut that works well—no need to cook from scratch unless preferred.
  • Lentil Cooking (optional): If cooking lentils from dry, rinse 1 cup (193g) lentils and cook with 1/2 teaspoon fine salt in 2 cups water by boiling then simmering for 35-40 minutes until water is absorbed.
  • Cornmeal: Use medium grind coarse cornmeal to avoid dryness—fine cornmeal or corn flour will negatively affect texture.
  • Chipotle Spice: Adds a spicy kick—reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if sensitive to heat.
  • Resting Time: Letting the loaf rest before baking and after baking is crucial for texture and to ensure it slices properly without falling apart.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/vegan-barbecue-lentil-loaf-recipe/