Description
Hearty lentil holiday roast showcases plant-based culinary creativity with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Robust herbs and spices create a satisfying centerpiece for festive gatherings you’ll savor with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 280 grams (2 1/4 cups) vital wheat gluten
- 1/2 cup cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Main Vegetable Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) white mushrooms, chopped
- 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon – no chicken base
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Glaze (optional):
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or any oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring a hot environment for roasting.
- In a large pan, warm oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until aromatic.
- Introduce mushrooms to the pan, cooking for 10-12 minutes. Allow them to release moisture, reduce in volume, and develop a golden hue. Stir periodically to prevent sticking.
- Drizzle soy sauce over mushrooms, stirring to incorporate and scrape pan residue. Remove from heat and cool briefly. Measure out the required portion.
- Transfer mushroom mixture to food processor along with remaining ingredients. Pulse for 2-3 minutes until well combined but maintaining some texture.
- Combine vital wheat gluten with processed mixture in a large bowl. Knead thoroughly for 5 minutes until dough becomes elastic and fibrous. Rest for 5 minutes, then knead an additional 30-60 seconds.
- Form the dough into an elongated loaf approximately 8 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. Carefully wrap in parchment paper and aluminum foil, securing ends tightly.
- Place wrapped roast in preheated oven and bake for 80 minutes, rotating midway through cooking time. After removing, allow to rest for 20 minutes before unwrapping.
- For optional glaze, activate broiler on low setting. Whisk together soy sauce, oil, and brown sugar. Brush mixture onto roast, broiling 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Repeat glazing process once, monitoring carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Select high-quality, fresh mushrooms for maximum flavor depth and meaty texture in the holiday roast.
- Ensure vital wheat gluten is fresh and properly measured to achieve the ideal protein structure and chewy consistency.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten strands, creating a more fibrous and meat-like texture that mimics traditional roasts.
- Consider adding smoked ingredients like liquid smoke or chipotle powder for enhanced depth and complexity if you want a more robust flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg