Christmas Vegan Nut Loaf Recipe That Everyone Will Love

The festive season is the perfect time to bring family and friends together around a delicious meal, and what better way to celebrate than with a hearty and wholesome Christmas vegan nut loaf? This dish is not only packed with nutritious ingredients but also bursting with festive flavors that everyone will love, whether you follow a plant-based diet or not.

The rich combination of nuts, vegetables, herbs, and a hint of tangy tomato glaze makes this nut loaf a standout centerpiece for your holiday table. Plus, it’s a wonderful alternative to traditional meatloaf, offering a satisfying and protein-packed option that’s kind to the planet and your health.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new this Christmas, this recipe is approachable, flavorful, and sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and thoughtful tips, you’ll have a beautiful, golden-brown loaf ready to serve alongside all your festive favorites.

So grab your apron and let’s dive into this Christmas vegan nut loaf recipe that’s destined to become a holiday classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas vegan nut loaf is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of savory nuts, fresh herbs, and spices.

The texture is delightfully meaty and satisfying without any animal products, making it ideal for vegans and vegetarians alike.

It’s also nutritious, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats from a variety of nuts and seeds. This recipe is gluten-free adaptable, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, ensuring it fits into many dietary preferences.

Finally, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite nuts or add dried fruits for a festive twist.

Plus, it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day, making it perfect for holiday leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup raw cashews, chopped
• 1 cup cooked brown lentils (about 3/4 cup dry)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Glaze: 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Equipment

• Food processor (optional, for chopping nuts and veggies finely)
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Loaf tin (8×4 inch recommended)
• Baking parchment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your loaf tin with baking parchment for easy removal.
2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes until it thickens.
3. Cook the lentils: If not already cooked, rinse 3/4 cup dry brown lentils and simmer in water for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Chop the nuts: In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and cashews a few times until finely chopped but not ground into powder. If you don’t have a processor, chop by hand finely.
6. Mix the loaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, chopped nuts, rolled oats, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, dried thyme, sage, smoked paprika, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the mixture holds together when pressed.
7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf tin and press it down firmly and evenly with a spatula.
8. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together tomato ketchup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and firm to the touch.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra festive flair, add 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the loaf mixture for a sweet burst.

If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Feel free to swap brown lentils for cooked quinoa or chickpeas for different textures.

To enhance the smoky flavor, add a pinch of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan nut loaf pairs wonderfully with classic Christmas sides like mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

To add festive colors, consider roasted root vegetables or a medley of steamed green beans with toasted almonds. For extra indulgence, drizzle vegan mushroom gravy or a rich cashew cream sauce over slices of the nut loaf.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Don’t miss our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vibrant side, or try the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe if you want a non-vegan alternative.

For a tangy twist on your condiments, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe adds a punch of flavor to any festive spread.

Conclusion

This Christmas vegan nut loaf recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and festive addition to your holiday table. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty and flavorful, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy a satisfying main course regardless of their dietary preferences.

The combination of nuts, lentils, and vegetables creates a comforting texture, while the tomato glaze adds a beautiful color and subtle sweetness. With its easy preparation and adaptable ingredients, this loaf is an ideal choice for busy holiday cooks looking to impress without stress.

Give this recipe a try, and you might find it becomes a new holiday tradition in your home. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!

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