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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Simmer lentils in water until tender and completely soft, then drain excess liquid thoroughly.
- In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions, carrots, and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, cooking until moisture evaporates and ingredients develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Incorporate fresh herbs and chopped spinach, gently wilting the greens into the vegetable medley.
- 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.
- Transfer approximately one-third of the mixture to a food processor, puree until smooth, then fold back into the remaining mixture.
- Gently mix in beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients.
- Line a loaf tin with parchment paper, then carefully pack the mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed and compressed.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes, which helps the roast set and makes slicing easier.
- 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