I’ve been looking for a great lentil loaf recipe, and finally I’ve found one! Unfortunately, I can’t claim credit for this delicious dish. That goes to Dreena Burton and her new book, Let Them Eat Vegan!: 200 Deliciously Satisfying Plant-Powered Recipes for the Whole Family
Though most of the recipes do contain oil, it’s usually such a small amount that those of us who are used to adapting recipes can easily leave it out, and Dreena actually marks it as optional in some of her recipes. Many of the dishes do rely on nuts, so bear that in mind if you’re following a completely fat-free diet. And I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that two big chapters are devoted to cookies and other desserts, and though they’re healthier than most dessert recipes, even the raw recipes look wildly decadent and most are rich with nuts, unrefined sugar, and sometimes coconut oil. If you’re trying to lay off the sweets, skip those chapters because reading them in bed had me planning a raid on the refrigerator and wondering where I could get my hands on some vegan chocolate in the middle of the night.
I have about 10 bookmarks in my copy of Let Them Eat Vegan
Let Them Eat Vegan! is a very attractive book, with a clean layout and ample space around the recipes, each of which fits on one page or on two facing pages so there’s no flipping back and forth as you cook. Dreena provides a wealth of information about ingredients and cooking techniques, plenty of kid-friendly ideas, and lots of variations and menu suggestions. An insert includes 27 photos taken by the talented Hannah Kaminsky, each depicting several dishes, so you get a good look at many of the 200 recipes.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve been obsessed with this No-fu Love Loaf ever since I made it. I’ve served it for dinner once and made “meatloaf” sandwiches out of it twice (using my Tofu-Cashew Mayonnaise, of course). I made it exactly as written, with the small exception of the blackstrap molasses, which I omitted because I didn’t have any. I didn’t miss it because my loaf came out full of flavor, dense with grains and lentils, and very satisfying. Served with a side of mashed potatoes and some mushroom gravy, this vegan “meatloaf” was the ultimate comfort food.
Dreena's No-fu Love Loaf
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown or green lentils
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 3/4 cup bulgur or toasted cracked wheat for gluten-free version, use certified gf steel cut oats
- 1 cup water boiled
- 1/4 cup natural ketchup
- 1 cup rolled or quick oats ensure gf certified for gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons tamari use wheat-free for wheat/gluten-free version
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground white chia or can use flax meal
- 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce see note for gf version
- 2 tablespoons tahini or sunflower seed butter
- 2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground fennel optional
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 3-4 tablespoons natural ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce OR 2 tsp vegan bbq sauce optional, optional
Instructions
- Combine the lentils, vegetable stock, 1⁄3 cup of water, and bay leaf in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until just about tender. Once done, add the bulgur and boiling water, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for another 8 to 9 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil an oven-proof glass loaf pan and line the bottom of the pan with a strip of parchment paper to cover (place it in to protrude along the short ends of the pan; this helps for easier removal of the veggie loaf from the pan). Combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
- Once the bulgur is cooked, remove the bay leaf and add all the remaining ingredients (except topping). Stir very well. Transfer the mixture to prepared pan and pack it in. Spread the topping mixture over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes or so, before cutting to slice and serve. Serves 5-6.
Recipe Notes
Dreena’s Notes:
Allergy-Free or Bust! Despite its not having any tofu, tempeh, or TVP, I cannot technically categorize this recipe as “soy free” because of the inclusion of tamari and vegan Worcestershire sauce. These are important seasonings in the loaf. That said, to replace the Worcestershire for a gluten-free version, use instead an extra 1⁄2 tablespoon of wheat-free tamari, along with an extra 1⁄2 teaspoon of molasses, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
Savvy Subs and Adds: If you’d like to add some veggies to the loaf, try adding 1⁄2 cup of seeded and finely chopped green pepper, or 1⁄4 cup of finely chopped celery (stir into the mixture with the seasonings).
Serving Suggestions: Rosemary Gravy is excellent with this loaf, but this dish is equally delicious served with condiments as a burger of sorts: Pop slices of the loaf into pita or a folded tortilla, along with ketchup and vegan mayonnaise (or “Almonnaise”). (Susan’s note: Try it with my Vegan Mushroom Gravy or Tofu-Cashew Mayo.)
From the book Let Them Eat Vegan! by Dreena Burton. Excerpted by arrangement with Da Capo Lifelong, a member of the Perseus Books Group. Copyright © 2012. www.dacapopresscookbooks.com
Disclosures: Da Capo Lifelong provided me with a review copy of the book. This post contains Amazon affiliate links; when you buy something through them, a few pennies on each dollar goes to me to support my work on this site.
Rachel
I just made this…. And I think I really goofed up. It’s sour! What did I do wrong?!
Anne
I absolutely love this loaf! I’ve made it many times and each time it seems to come out better than the last…. I have tried a lot of the recipes from Dreena’s book and they all have been very good!
Amanda
Just wanted to let you know I’m trying out this recipe and blogging about it. If there is any problem with this, please let me know. http://tastebudimpaired.blogspot.com/
ericka
For some reason my nofu meat loaf did not stick together and when I served the portions it was a casserole slop instead of meatloaf slices.
What is the ingredients that should have held it together? Also it was a bit crunchy I think because I didn’t ground the Chia seeds and also I think the rolled oats needed to cook longer like in the same stage as the bulgur wheat.
Any inside advice?
leslie
The chia or flax seeds are the binder. Chia seeds shouldn’t need grinding, but maybe grind them if you try it again.
Dazzle
I have made quite a few vegan loaf recipes in my day, and this one is one of my favorites. I added 1/2 c. minced veggies (onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic) and doubled the topping (my favorite part). The next day, we used the chilled leftovers to make “love loaf sandwiches” on lightly toasted sourdough bread, with Vegenaise, Dijon mustard, extra ketchup and pickle slices. Sooo good!
Ben Rene
I make this all the time – it’s amazingly delicious. Thank you so much for posting such great recipes. 🙂
leslie
I’ve made this following the recipe exactly a number of times and love it. Tonight I didn’t have bulgur or rolled oats. I substituted quinoa for the bulgur and quick-cooking steel oats for the rolled oats. Loved it! The texture was a little softer- maybe not quite as “meaty” as the regular version, but good in its own right. I’d love a vegan version of kibbe and think this could probably be a great base for that Lebanese dish.
leslie
Forgot to add- I always add chopped onion as that is an ingredient I used to add to meatloaf. This time, I added chopped mushrooms as well. Great addition.
Tammy
Looks great – can’t wait to try this. I was wondering, though, where it says specifically to cover with foil – in your experience, if I’m using a casserole dish that has a glass lid, will having it covered with the thicker glass be any different than using foil? Thanks for any advice!
Susan Voisin
I think the glass lid should be fine. It may keep in a little more moisture than the foil, so if you find the loaf too damp, try leaving the lid ajar for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Laura
All I could find at the store was “quick-cooking” bulgur. Should I add less water with it or reduce the cooking time once added to the lentils?
Susan Voisin
I don’t think you need to make any changes. All bulgur is fairly quick-cooking.
Sharon
I had to come back and leave a comment. I’ve been eating vegan about a year for health reasons. I have always LOVED meatloaf, cold in a sandwich. LOVED!!! I made this loaf in the morning and came back to the kitchen later and made a cold Love Loaf sandwich with a little ketchup and two slices of Killer Dave’s bread and it was DELICIOUS!! This met and exceeded my expectations. I will return to this recipe a lot. I recommend anyone who is a meat eater or not to try this!!
Thank you Dreena
Lynda
I didn’t see a reply to whether the nutritional yeast can be left out. I don’t like it.
Susan Voisin
Sure, it’s just a flavor enhancer, so you could leave it out. The flavor may be a little blander, but otherwise it won’t make a difference.
kariann
Hi! My daughter is allergic to wheat and oats. This looks so good and I would love to make it. Is there any substitution for the oats? Thank you!
Susan Voisin
I’ve used quinoa flakes to replace oats, and while I haven’t tried them in this recipe, they usually work fine.
Shawn
Susan I was going to make your fantastic Mushroom Timbales again for Thanksgiving (love them sooo much!) but decided yesterday to try this lentil loaf since we were driving to my in-laws this year & thought a loaf might travel better-wow it turned out fantastic-compliments all around from omnivores & my husband said it’s the best loaf I’ve made! I used steel cut oats since they were on hand, & added some chipotle & cayenne-for a Kansas native I share your love of heat ☺️……sorry it took me so long to get around to trying this-too many delicious recipes on your site (I also have a Vitamix-worth every penny!-I bought through your site years ago & am guilty of making endless roasted veggie soups for my lunches during the cooler months) At any rate, I will double this recipe when I make it in the future. Hope you are in great health & had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family & great cat!
Brenda
I enjoyed this recipe. Thank you Dreena and Susan! When I make recipes from your blog, they are always great!
shweta
Can wheat bran be used in place of bulgur? or even quinoa/flax cereal ? I dont have any bulgur and would prefer to leave the oats seperate from the other portion of oats needed
Valerie
I made this exactly as written….. This is sooo good!!!! I can see this being made a lot in the future! The flavors are great and the texture is really good too. The bulgur is perfect.
Shellie
Thinking about making this tonight, but I don’t have a glass loaf pan. Is there any particular reason that would be necessary or is my metal one okay? Can the loaf just be hand formed instead of a pan? Thanks. 🙂
Susan Voisin
A metal pan will work, but it will probably cook faster, so watch it to make sure it doesn’t get overdone on the outside before the middle cooks. I haven’t made it without a pan, so I can’t say how well a free-form loaf will work.
Shellie
Trying it tonight, but I think I’m going to try free-form. My meatloaf pan has a vegan slicing cheese in it setting up. 🙂 Do you think the time would be cut down as well free-form?
Susan Voisin
I would remove the foil at 25 minutes and then watch it closely after that.
Shellie
This was outstanding. Thanks so much.
Airyfairycelt
This no fu, now what does that mean?
Anyways it is lovely and instead of adding more oats I add some cooked buckwheat because I love it.
I am thinking of doing some experimenting with amaranth, there is a bit about now, so expensive so I think the cheaper things are better mostly. I use much in the way of lentils, oats, buckwheat, chia and do flour too so it is versatile. I do pancakes just a mux and griddle them for about a year (!) no,egg for me, but they are so delicious.
Recently learned about millet coming back. Very good idea there.
Rebecca
I think that “no fu” refers to the fact that it is soy free (no tofu).
Alexandra
I now double the recipe and freeze one. Yesterday took my frozen loaf out and had it crumbled on a bed of steamed kale with some ranch dressing; it was really good that way, and now I think I’ll keep loaf crumbles around for pizza , burritos, salads, etc.
Michelle
I enjoyed the loaf, but my husband, who usually likes my vegan dishes, did not enjoy it. He suggested adding red bell pepper, onion, and other ingredients for a richer flavor. I’m not sure this dish translates well for people (especially men) who like meat.
HT Levine
My family “tolerates” my FF Vegan cooking and usually they pretty much like what I cook. This loaf got RAVE REVIEWS, hooray! I mixed in 1 large carrot pulsed in the food processor into pea-sized chunks and 2 large minced green onions before turning it into the loaf pan. I used your options of flax seeds, steel cut oats with french green lentils. I served it with your Vegan Mushroom Gravy and my own fat free vegan garlic mashed potatoes and the crowd went wild.
Thank you so much for the time and care you put into your blog. I really truly appreciate it!
Nancy Nurse
Gosh, I SO WANTED to love this, but just didn’t. It was like too sweet or something; can’t get our taste-buds around it; t
he texture was too soft but I suppose that could have been my fault.Not sure how to fix it, but probably won’t try again. There’s a Dr. McDougall loaf that I think I’ll try. Had it at his Ten day Program and it was lovely…
Ashley
Bragg’s Amino Acids can be used instead of Tamari. No soy in Bragg’s. Can Quinoa be used instead of Oats? I have celiac disease and Oats (even when GF) are not good on my stomach.
Mayana J. Clifton
Yes! This was excellent, even better the next day. I added a few dashes of liquid smoke and topped with BBQ sauce My whole family loved it.
cheryl
I skipped the molasses and used black chia as that is what I had. Mine did not hold together…..did I not pack it enough?? Was making mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy and missed that step. I added onions and may add celery next time. Yummy even though mine did not hold together.
Deana
This is an excellent loaf recipe. HIGHLY recommend. Nice dense texture, lovely flavor. Thanks for sharing.
Cynthia
Hello Susan. I have been stalking your site for some time now, but haven’t commented before. I made this loaf tonight and it was Lovely and much appreciated by my partner and the neighbours (not vegan or even vegetarian).. Instead of the chia seeds, which I assumed were there to work as a kind of egg replacement, I used aquafaba (5 table spoons in this case). Seemed to work fine. Unfortunately my carefully placed piece of parchment paper ripped on both sides, so I had to turn it over upside down and back up again. Worked fine too, ketchup still in place. I didn’t have dried basil or fennel seed, so left that out. I enjoy reading your blog and recipes, even though I am vegetarian rather than vegan.
Amy
I made this for Easter dinner, and this was beyond amazing! The loaf held together perfectly. The texture was very meat-like, and super satisfying. The flavor was savory and perfectly balanced. My search for the perfect loaf is over…it was seriously that delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe. I am definitely looking to buy this cookbook.
Sarah
I rarely leave comments on recipes, but after trying multiple vegan loaves and just not being impressed, I am so beyond happy I stumbled across this one!
This held together so well, had great flavor, and packed perfectly for lunch. Thank you for sharing it, this is now my go to!
Nicole
Can you freeze this vegan loaf? I would like to make this ahead of time before Thanksgiving.
Stacy
I made this loaf using short grain brown rice and it turned out great! I also used Bell’s Seasoning and a little rubbed sage as my seasonings. Everyone loved this and I’ll be making it often. Thanks!
Lady Gray
Hi, I found this post on PInterest and was hoping to make it for dinner tonight. I was wondering if the Nutritional Yeast is necessary or if there’s a substitute. I’m new to the vegan world, my son has developed an allergy to eggs & most meats so I was looking for something to use as substitute. He LOVES the meatloaf I used to make (ground meat and eggs). I thank you in advance for your help.
Susan Voisin
The nutritional yeast just adds a little flavor, so you can leave it out with good results. I hope your son likes it!
Kary Irle
I have made this no-fu lentil loaf before and loved it. Today, however, I tried something different, I used quinoa since I had no bulgur or steel cut oats, added some onion and hot sauce. Then I used my slow cooker. I placed sliced carrots and potatoes on the bottom of the cooker. Then, I put the loaf in a glass loaf pan and put that in the slow cooker. Four hours later at low temp, I had an amazing entire meal!
Cindy Winder
I was so excited to make this but it was horrible. The flavor was so bland and over powered by the rolled oats, tasted like oatmeal.
Sorry but I really wanted to do an honest review.
Thank you,
Cindy
Patricia Giannelia
Hi Susan – a great tip for baking savoury loaves, etc from Ann Esselstyn and the Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook – brush the inside of your loaf pan with barbecue sauce (oil free of course), put in your mixture and bake. The sauce is absorbed into the loaf as it bakes, giving it great flavour, and the loaf just pops out. You can also use a silicone pan, which requires no oil, or a silicon muffin tin, which makes a dozen “mini” loaves.
Kathy Adkisson
I’m always looking for a good vegan non fat loaf. Awesome loaf……I only added smoke paprika, chopped onion and bell pepper, changed the chia seed to flax seed mill and did not use fennel seed. The best veggie/vegan loaf I’ve ever had. We will see if my family likes it as well. Thanks so much for this recipe. It’s goimg to be my go to loaf recipe for now on.
Eydie Desser
Thinking about making this for Thanksgiving. What size loaf pan did you use? And is using a glass pan important? Thank you.
Rebecca
I have made this amazing recipe for the last 6 Thanksgivings, as well as other times during the years. This Thanksgiving, my husband came up with a new way to cook it that (in our opinion) tastes even better, or, at least makes for a nice change. 🙂 I made the lentil loaf mixture as usual (w/ the provided GF substitutions and the addition of the celery–all listed with the original recipe). Then, instead of baking it in the loaf pan as usual, my husband formed the mixture into small patties and pan-fried them. We served the patties with gravy and also the traditional mushrooms w/ shallots & sherry that I always make for Thanksgiving. It was so delicious this way as the lentil “loaf” had a crisper texture in the patties and was almost like chicken fried steak (which I vaguely remember from when I last ate meat as a pre-teen;-). Anyway, super easy–just coat with flour (we used Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free flour) and pan fry for something a little different. Love this recipe so much!
Sharon Zacharias
I made this today! Absolutely LOVE it! I will be purchasing a copy of Dreena’s book, just based on this recipe. One thing I did differently. Instead of using a loaf pan, I shaped it into a loaf on a foil-lined cookie sheet.When I used to eat meat, I would make meatloaf that way. It seems to cook all the way through better than in a loaf pan, and it is hard to get a loaf out of the pan, then the pan is hard to clean. It worked well. The mixture is sticky enough to stay in shape, and it came out very nicely cooked. Thank you for posting a tofu-free lentil loaf recipe!
Doug
I have made lots of various lentil loafs, but this is the 1st one with bulgar and the results were excellent. This is the meatiest one ever. It’s a keeper. I did add onions and peppers to the recipe.
Kandi
I have tried several lentil loaf recipes, but were always a bit “gummy” for my taste. This was just perfect! Great texture and lovely flavor. Thank you!
Dianna
This was really good! I had to substitute quinoa for the bulger because I had none. And put barbecue sauce as the topping. But otherwise made it as written. This is the best textured and best tasting plant based meatloaf I’ve made so far. Its nice and firm. Ive got a double batch in the oven right now before the 1st loaf rund out!