Hearty Homemade Nut Roast Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crafting a delightful nut roast brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Protein-packed ingredients combine in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will appreciate this hearty centerpiece.

Seasonal vegetables and rich, toasted nuts create a robust main course that feels genuinely satisfying.

Each carefully selected ingredient promises a memorable dining experience.

Crisp textures and deep, nuanced flavors await you in this simple yet elegant dish.

Prepare to be surprised by how incredible plant-based cooking can truly be.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Nut Roast

• Lentils: A protein-packed legume that provides a hearty base for the nut roast.
• Nuts: Crunchy and rich ingredient that adds texture and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the nut roast together and provides structure.

• Onion, Carrot, Pepper: A classic trio of vegetables that creates a flavorful foundation for the roast.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds umami and meaty texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Herbs: Seasonings that bring freshness and aromatic notes to the nut roast.
• Spinach: Leafy green that adds nutrition and color to the mixture.
• Apricots, Zest, Juice: Ingredients that provide a subtle sweetness and bright citrus undertones.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the nut roast.

Easy Instructions For Delia Smith Nut Roast

Step 1: Boil Lentils to Perfection

Start by cooking lentils until they’re tender and soft. Drain them completely, ensuring no excess water remains.

Step 2: Sizzle Vegetables with Flavor

In a pan, heat and soften onions, carrots, and peppers. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mixture becomes dry and fragrant.

Step 3: Embrace Herbal Greens

Toss in fresh herbs and spinach, allowing them to wilt briefly and release their aromatic essence.

Step 4: Blend Hearty Ingredients

• Chopped nuts
• Dried apricots
• Citrus zest
• Citrus juice

Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Puree one-third of the mixture and gently fold it back into the main mixture. Incorporate eggs to bind everything together.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Line a loaf tin with parchment paper. Carefully pack the nutty mixture into the tin, ensuring an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the loaf in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center becomes firm.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the nut roast to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Slice and serve warm as a delightful main course.

Tips To Bake Delia Smith Nut Roast Right

• Drain Lentils Perfectly: Pat lentils completely dry after draining to prevent excess moisture that could make the roast soggy.
• Sauté Vegetables Carefully: Cook vegetables until they release their moisture and become slightly caramelized for deeper flavor development.
• Balance Texture Masterfully: Pureeing a portion of the mixture helps bind ingredients while maintaining a chunky, rustic texture.
• Vegan-Friendly Swap: Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixture to create a plant-based binding agent.
• Rest for Optimal Slicing: Allowing the nut roast to rest ensures it sets properly and can be sliced cleanly without falling apart.

Tasty Ways To Change Delia Smith Nut Roast

• Gluten-Free Nut Roast: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or ground almonds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap existing herbs for rosemary, thyme, and oregano, adding sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Vegan Protein Option: Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixture to bind ingredients while keeping plant-based integrity.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute lentils with cauliflower rice and increase nut content for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains protein levels.

Best Dishes To Pair With Delia Smith Nut Roast

• Elevate Earthy Flavor Companions: Robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the nutty, hearty profile of the roast.
• Refreshing Herbal Contrast: Crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dense texture and balances rich vegetable notes.
• Zesty Sauce Pairing: Create a tangy cranberry or apple chutney that brightens the roast's deep, savory character with sweet-tart undertones.
• Texture-Enhancing Side: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to echo the nutty, caramelized elements of the dish.

How To Store Delia Smith Nut Roast With Care

• Store cooled nut roast in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in sealed container to prevent moisture loss.
• Slice nut roast, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, and store in freezer bag for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slice on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 160C. Place slice in covered baking dish with splash of vegetable broth. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.

All Your Questions On Delia Smith Nut Roast

• Are lentils necessary for this recipe?

Yes, lentils provide protein, texture, and help bind the ingredients together in the nut roast, creating a hearty vegetarian main dish.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, cashews, or a mixed nut blend work great. Just ensure they’re chopped or ground to similar consistency for even texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It appears naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for nuts and any additional seasonings you might use.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This nut roast is moderately easy. Basic cooking skills like sautéing vegetables, draining lentils, and mixing ingredients are required, making it manageable for home cooks with some experience.

Why Delia Smith Nut Roast Is A Great Pick

• Craft a Hearty Vegetarian Centerpiece: This nut roast transforms simple ingredients into a stunning main dish that rivals traditional meat roasts, perfect for impressing guests at holiday gatherings or special dinners.
• Master Easy Meal Preparation: With straightforward chopping and mixing techniques, home cooks of all skill levels can create a nutritious, protein-packed meal without complicated cooking methods.
• Customize with Seasonal Ingredients: The flexible recipe allows swapping nuts, adding different herbs, or incorporating local vegetables, making it adaptable to what's fresh and available in your kitchen.
• Nutrient-Dense Comfort Food: Packed with protein from lentils and nuts, loaded with vegetables, and bursting with flavor, this dish offers a wholesome alternative that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Nut Roast Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “Nut Roast” brings Mediterranean warmth to winter dining tables with rich, satisfying flavors. Nutty textures and herb-infused layers invite home cooks to savor a comforting plant-based centerpiece that delights and nourishes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.6 ounces) mixed nuts
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) green/brown lentils
• 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small white onion
• 1 large carrot
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 225 grams (7.9 ounces) mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Additional Ingredients:

• 140 grams (4.9 ounces) dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Zest and juice of 1 small orange

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Instructions

1. Simmer lentils in water until tender and completely soft, then drain excess liquid thoroughly.
2. In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, cooking until moisture evaporates and ingredients develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
4. Incorporate fresh herbs and chopped spinach, gently wilting the greens into the vegetable medley.
5. Combine cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, chopped nuts, diced apricots, citrus zest, and fresh juice in a large mixing bowl, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer approximately one-third of the mixture to a food processor, puree until smooth, then fold back into the remaining mixture.
7. Gently mix in beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients.
8. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper, then carefully pack the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed and compressed.
9. Preheat oven to 190°C and bake the nut roast for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes, which helps the roast set and makes slicing easier.
11. Slice into thick portions and serve warm.

Notes

• Soak nuts overnight to enhance digestibility and soften texture for a smoother, more tender roast.
• Choose mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews for complex flavor and nutritional variety.
• Drain lentils and vegetables extremely well to prevent soggy, wet roast texture and ensure compact slicing.
• Swap eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water for vegan-friendly version without compromising structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg