This gluten-free vegetarian loaf with BBQ sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, walnuts, and carrots, this loaf is both satisfying and delicious. The tangy BBQ sauce on top adds a delightful kick, making it a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to look out for a few specific ingredients. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are essential to keep the loaf gluten-free, so make sure to check the label. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, which can be found in the international or health food section of most supermarkets. Lentils should be cooked beforehand, so plan accordingly.
Ingredients For Gluten-Free Vegetarian Loaf With BBQ Sauce
Lentils: Cooked lentils provide a hearty base and protein for the loaf.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs: These help bind the loaf together while keeping it gluten-free.
Carrot: Grated carrot adds moisture and a slight sweetness.
Onion: Chopped onion brings a savory depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic taste.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the loaf.
Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds umami flavor.
Thyme: Dried thyme provides a subtle earthy note.
Oregano: Dried oregano adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the loaf.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
BBQ sauce: Used as a topping to add a tangy, smoky flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the lentils for this recipe, ensure they are cooked until tender but not mushy. This will help maintain the texture of the vegetarian loaf. Additionally, toasting the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before chopping can enhance their flavor, adding a deeper, nutty profile to the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked lentils - Substitute with cooked chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative.
chopped walnuts - Substitute with chopped sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor while being a good source of healthy fats.
gluten-free breadcrumbs - Substitute with ground oats: Ground oats can mimic the binding properties of breadcrumbs and are naturally gluten-free.
grated carrot - Substitute with grated zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar moisture content and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
chopped onion - Substitute with chopped leeks: Leeks offer a milder onion flavor and can add a slightly different but pleasant taste to the loaf.
garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile and is easier to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.
tamari for gluten-free soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are naturally gluten-free and offer a slightly sweeter taste, which can complement the BBQ sauce.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Rosemary provides a similar earthy flavor and can add a unique twist to the seasoning.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Basil offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the loaf.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile and is often less processed than table salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, which can add a subtle complexity.
bbq sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with smoked paprika: Tomato sauce with smoked paprika can mimic the smoky and tangy flavor of BBQ sauce while being a bit healthier.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the vegetarian loaf to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out and protects it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps keep it fresh.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The vegetarian loaf will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, slice the loaf into individual portions. This makes it easier to defrost and reheat only what you need.
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegetarian loaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For an extra touch, you can add a bit more BBQ sauce on top before reheating.
Microwave Method: Slice the loaf into individual portions. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Add a little extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place slices of the vegetarian loaf in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can give the loaf a slightly crispy exterior.
Steaming Method: If you have a steamer basket, this is a great way to reheat without drying out the loaf. Place slices in the steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the loaf tender.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place slices of the vegetarian loaf in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method can give a nice crispy texture to the outside while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the loaf at the specified temperature to ensure it cooks evenly.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Loaf pan: A greased pan to shape and bake the loaf.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the lentils, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients.
Grater: Used to grate the carrot finely.
Knife: For chopping the walnuts and onion, and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: A surface to chop and prepare the vegetables and nuts.
Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients and spreading the BBQ sauce evenly on top of the loaf.
Olive oil spray: To grease the loaf pan, ensuring the loaf doesn't stick.
Cooling rack: To let the loaf cool down evenly after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook lentils: Cook lentils in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on the day of preparation.
Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy pre-chopped carrots and onions to cut down on prep time.
Food processor for walnuts: Use a food processor to quickly chop walnuts instead of doing it by hand.
Mix ingredients in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in one large bowl to minimize cleanup.
Line loaf pan with parchment: Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleaning.
Gluten-Free Vegetarian Loaf With BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Cooked Lentils
- 1 cup Chopped Walnuts
- 1 cup Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Grated Carrot
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce For topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, chopped walnuts, gluten-free breadcrumbs, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan and press it down firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread BBQ sauce evenly on top of the loaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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