Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed lentil loaf studded with carrots and spices, finished with a sweet-tart maple glaze for perfect meal prep. This american-inspired vegan (gluten-free, vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs brown lentils, large, grated carrot, rolled oats for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine 1 cup cooked brown lentils (drained well), 1 cup grated carrot, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup diced onion.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tsp ground cumin, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Add the sautéed mixture to the lentil-carrot bowl, then stir in 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Press the mixture firmly into a greased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake for 35 minutes until firm and golden on top.
  5. Step 5: Whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the loaf and return to oven for 5 minutes until glossy.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Maple-Glazed Spiced Lentil & Carrot Loaf gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes