The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf (Gluten-Free)
Try this recipe for The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf Gluten-Free, or contribute your own.
Try this recipe for The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf Gluten-Free, or contribute your own.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium-large carrot grated
- 1 rib celery thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups kale shredded and tightly packed
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 cup overcooked green lentils
- 1/3 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
- 3 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce canned or homemade (recipe below)
- Carbohydrate 24.4339485353535 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 11.601226142918 g
- Fiber 4.26289246460645 g
- Protein 5.5714059280303 g
- Saturated Fat 1.13565799119492 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (83g)
- Sodium 11.5218718434392 mg
- Sugar 20.1710560707471 g
- Trans Fat 0.624598547986328 g
- Calories 212 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook your brown rice and lentils.
- Prep and chop all of your ingredients. Try to keep everything relatively small, your loaf will hold together better that way.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan and heat over medium-high. Once your frying pan is heated, add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and kale. Sauté until the onion starts to become translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Add the mushrooms, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper and continue sautéing until everything is just tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, brown rice, lentils, oat flour, ground flax seeds, nutritional yeast, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Mix everything VERY thoroughly. It's best to mix everything quite roughly so that you're mashing some of the ingredients together. This is really important for proper binding in this recipe.
- Firmly press the mixture into a parchment paper lined loaf pan or 9x9 cake pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, pour the glaze over the loaf and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes to fully set.
- In a high speed blender, blend cranberry sauce until completely smooth.
My Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Adventure
Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures images of family gathered around a table laden with food, the aroma of roasting turkey filling the air, and the comforting feeling of tradition. But for years, I felt a twinge of disconnect during Thanksgiving celebrations. As a busy working mom, finding time to create a traditional Thanksgiving feast was a herculean task, and, honestly, the thought of all that meat preparation left me feeling overwhelmed. Then came my discovery of vegan cooking, and everything changed. This isn’t a story about dietary restrictions or a sudden moral awakening; it’s a story about finding joy and simplicity in the kitchen, about creating a Thanksgiving tradition that truly reflects my values and the time I have available.
This year, I decided to take a new approach to the Thanksgiving meal. I wanted something delicious, satisfying, and most importantly, easy to prepare. Enter my glorious Vegan Thanksgiving Loaf! This recipe is not just a substitute; it's an elevation. Forget the hours spent prepping a turkey – this loaf comes together surprisingly quickly and offers a wonderful depth of flavor that will please even the most ardent meat-lovers. The earthy notes of lentils and mushrooms beautifully complement the sweetness of cranberries, while the nutty walnuts add a satisfying crunch. It’s wholesome, heart-warming, and utterly delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often find myself making adjustments based on what I have on hand – sometimes I swap out the walnuts for pecans, or use different dried fruits. The heart of the recipe, however, remains the same: a harmonious blend of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a show-stopping centerpiece. And the best part? It's completely gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider range of guests. Imagine the compliments you'll receive – and the time you'll save! You can easily prep the ingredients a day ahead, making your Thanksgiving day so much less stressful.
But beyond the culinary success, this loaf represents something more. It’s a symbol of my personal evolution, a testament to my ability to adapt and create something meaningful and delicious with limited time. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition I’ve built for myself and my family, a tradition that feels authentic and reflects who I am: a busy working woman who loves to cook and cherish those around me. It's a reminder that the spirit of Thanksgiving isn't about adhering to outdated traditions, but rather about connecting with loved ones over a meal that celebrates simplicity and joy.
I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Happy Thanksgiving!
