Thanksgiving Loaf

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Loaf Recipe from USA with Lentils, Brown Rice, and Oatmeal

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Thanksgiving Loaf is a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with lentils, brown rice, vegetables, and nuts, this loaf is a nutritious and satisfying option for your Thanksgiving table.

History

The Thanksgiving Loaf recipe has been a staple in vegetarian and vegan households for many years. It is a plant-based alternative to traditional meatloaf, providing a flavorful and filling option for those looking to enjoy a meat-free meal during the holidays.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked lentils
3 cups steamed brown rice
0.5 cup dry oatmeal or cornmeal
0.5 cup almond or cashews, ground fine
0.75 cup (approx.) tomato juice
0.25 cup sunflower seeds, ground fine
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 heaping tablespoon of sage
garlic powder (optional, can be added while eating)
3 cups cooked millet
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbled (3 slices)
1 cup chopped onions
1 tbsp light vegetable oil
0.5 tsp ground celery seed
salt to taste

How to prepare

Lightly sauté onions in a mixture of water and oil.
Add celery and tomatoes, but only sauté briefly to soften.
Combine all the ingredients and mix well, then add bread crumbs and tomato juice to make a stiff mixture.
If the mixture seems too dry, add water.
Place the mixture in lightly oiled loaf pans.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.
Serve with your favorite vegetable gravy (optional).
After baking, cover with a towel to keep it moist. If you prefer it dry, do not cover.
Serve with parsley gravy, which should be prepared separately.

Variations

Add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the loaf.
Substitute different types of nuts or seeds for the cashews and sunflower seeds.
Mix in cooked quinoa or barley for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the onions, celery, and tomatoes lightly to soften them before adding them to the mixture.

- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

- Cover the loaf with a towel after baking to keep it moist, or leave it uncovered if you prefer a drier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thanksgiving Loaf with your favorite vegetable gravy and a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the Thanksgiving Loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour, or until the loaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked quinoa or barley instead of brown rice.

- Substitute almonds or walnuts for the cashews.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat bread.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Thanksgiving Loaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for holiday meal planning.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Thanksgiving Loaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and cranberry sauce for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Thanksgiving Loaf with a side of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a classic Thanksgiving meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Thanksgiving Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Thanksgiving Loaf contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling option for a holiday meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Thanksgiving Loaf contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Thanksgiving Loaf is a good source of healthy fats, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. The cashews and sunflower seeds in the recipe provide essential fatty acids that are important for overall health.

Proteins

This recipe is rich in protein, with each serving of Thanksgiving Loaf containing approximately 15 grams of protein. Lentils, brown rice, and nuts are all excellent sources of plant-based protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanksgiving Loaf is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (cashews) and wheat (whole wheat bread), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or wheat allergies.

Summary

Thanksgiving Loaf is a nutritious and delicious vegetarian dish that is perfect for the holiday season. It is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded option for your Thanksgiving table.

Summary

Thanksgiving Loaf is a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with lentils, brown rice, vegetables, and nuts, this loaf is a satisfying option for your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy it with your favorite gravy and side dishes for a delicious and festive meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. Thanksgiving was always a special time for our family, and my mother would spend days preparing a lavish feast for us to enjoy.

One year, as Thanksgiving approached, my mother fell ill and was unable to cook. I was determined to help out and make sure that our family still had a delicious meal to enjoy. I asked around the town for any recipes that I could try, and that’s when I stumbled upon the Thanksgiving Loaf.

The recipe was shared with me by Mrs. Jenkins, an elderly lady who lived down the street. She told me that the Thanksgiving Loaf was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. It was a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for celebrating the holiday with loved ones.

I eagerly took the recipe home and set to work in the kitchen. The ingredients were simple – ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, and a few spices. I mixed everything together in a bowl, formed it into a loaf, and popped it in the oven to bake.

As the loaf cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen and brought back memories of past Thanksgivings spent with my family. I couldn’t wait to taste the finished dish and see if it lived up to Mrs. Jenkins’ glowing recommendation.

When the loaf was finally done, I pulled it out of the oven and sliced into it. The flavors were incredible – the savory turkey mixed with the sweet cranberry sauce and the herby stuffing was a perfect combination. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our family’s Thanksgiving meal for years to come.

Over the years, I have made the Thanksgiving Loaf countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that we all look forward to enjoying together on Thanksgiving Day.

As I sit here now, preparing to make the Thanksgiving Loaf once again, I can’t help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that this recipe has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

So as I take a bite of the Thanksgiving Loaf this year, surrounded by my family and loved ones, I will give thanks for all the blessings in my life – including this delicious recipe that has become a cherished part of our holiday celebrations.