how to you bind a lentil loaf together?

[425lisamarie]

Can anyone point me to a good basic lentil loaf method?

[Keeta]

Even though the "maker" is down, this is best, most adaptable loaf recipe ever:
Magical Loaf Studio

I usually make loaf-cakes - put them in muffin tins for cute little loaves. I also always brush on a combo of ketchup, brown sugar and mustard (if you look at Vegan Dad's blog, he has a few recipes for this glaze). It really makes a big difference in flavor, in my opinion!

[Lynn08]

This is the recipe I use. Binder is a combo of things (rice, flax seeds, bread crumbs, etc) but if you go to the site Keeta suggested (where I got my basic recipe from) it will give you a general idea of what to use.

[mamakaikai]

Ingredients

* 1 cup dry lentils
* 3 cups water
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 2/3 cup chopped carrot
* 1/3 cup chopped celery
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
* 3/4 cup unsalted raw cashews or almonds, chopped
* 1/4 cup raisins,or cranberries
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1.
1
In medium saucepan, cook the lentils in the water until soft, about 45 minutes.
2.
2
Drain and set aside.set aside.
3.
3
Cook the onion and garlic in the oil, stirring, until the onion is translucent.
4.
4
Add the carrots and celery.
5.
5
Simmer, covered, until the carrots are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
6.
6
Drain and let cool.
7.
7
Preheat the oven to 350*F.
8.
8
In a large bowl, mix together the lentils, vegetable mixture and remaining ingredients.
9.
9
Spoon into an oiled loaf pan.
10.
10
Bake until firm, about 45 minutes.
11.
11
Serve warm.
12.
12
(Or let the loaf cool and wrap it in foil for transport. On the trail, slice and serve loaf as is, or use the slices in sandwiches.).

[Jelinifer]

I use ground flax as my vegan loaf binder...

[Epicurvegan]

I would try arrowroot powder as a binder. It's a great alternative to cornstarch and works exactly the same way (if not better, IMO).

Also, guar gum (great for using as a binder in gluten-free things) also works well as a binder (and it is vegan).

[starc]

Just curious is it better to use brown lentils or red?

[Keeta]

I would say brown, because they are more substantial. Red would end up too soupy (unless you are using a recipe that specifically calls for red).

[es1967]

Originally Posted by Keeta

Even though the "maker" is down, this is best, most adaptable loaf recipe ever:
Magical Loaf Studio

I usually make loaf-cakes - put them in muffin tins for cute little loaves. I also always brush on a combo of ketchup, brown sugar and mustard (if you look at Vegan Dad's blog, he has a few recipes for this glaze). It really makes a big difference in flavor, in my opinion!

I've been wanting to try the create your own lentil loaf. Have you tried using walnuts in the recipe? I have a ton and it seems to be the only nut I have in the house(besides my DH of course). Think I'll try it tomorrow.

[mom2keira]

ground nuts and instant mashed potatoes (Whole foods)

[Koalamom]

Loving this. I am going to make a lentil loaf.
PS, Thanks for the GF suggestions since gluten is out for us.

[es1967]

I made a loaf using the "Magical Loaf Studio" and it turned out great. I used lentils, walnuts and carrots,onions,garlic and herbs. Also,some flax and bread crumbs. Loved it.

[*LoveBugMama*]

This is the recipe I usually use: http://www.recipezaar.com/Really-Goo...f-really-33921

I use half and half of pastasauce and bbq- sauce. Makes it really yummy! I also sometimes make a double batch, subbing half the lentils with blackbeans. Delish! Oooh, I always use red lentils, by the way.

[Ianthe]

I've made a few from the magic loaf style and so far I love pecans the most for my nuts. My binders vary with whatever I have onhand.. it's an awesome little tool/site!