Herb Lentil Loaf
Brown lentils, oats, and vegetables bake into a satisfying loaf topped with a tangy no-salt glaze.
Sodium note
Built from cooked lentils and vegetables with a homemade no-salt-added tomato glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown lentils (from about 3/4 cup dry)
- 1 cup rolled oats, pulsed into coarse flour
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup no-salt-added tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Method
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and carrot 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more; let cool slightly.
- 3
In a large bowl, mash about half the lentils, then mix in the remaining whole lentils, cooked vegetables, oat flour, eggs, Dijon mustard, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
- 4
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan.
- 5
Whisk together tomato paste, vinegar, and honey, then spread evenly over the top of the loaf.
- 6
Bake 40-45 minutes until firm and set, and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
- 7
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 255
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbs
- 35g
- Fat
- 8g
- Sodium
- 50 mg
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Use green lentils in place of brown lentils.
- Swap oats for unsalted breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly glaze.
Tips
- Mashing half the lentils helps the loaf hold together while keeping some texture from whole lentils.
- Let the loaf rest fully before slicing so it doesn't crumble.
- This loaf makes excellent sandwiches the next day, sliced cold or reheated.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
