Holiday Almond Loaf
A hearty, nutty vegetarian loaf featuring almonds, sunflower seeds, and oats, perfect for holiday dinners or wholesome family meals, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak 1/4 cup beans overnight; drain.
- Whiz in blender the next day 1/2 cup soaked beans and 1/2 cup water until thick and creamy.
- Combine the blended mixture in a mixing bowl with remaining ingredients.
- Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes.
- Press into a prepared Pyrex loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soaked beans longer to achieve a smoother consistency. You can substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or use a mix of nuts if desired. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save preparation time. Adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika can enhance the flavor of this loaf, making it a hearty addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
This loaf pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of your favorite condiment, such as Our Version Henry Bain Sauce, for added flavor. It also makes a great sandwich filling when sliced, accompanied by avocado or hummus. For a festive touch, serve slices with cranberry sauce during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Holiday Almond Loaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring they retain their moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Almond Loaf contains roughly 703 calories, with 25g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (214% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans instead of garbanzo or soy beans?
Yes, you can substitute with other legumes like black beans or lentils, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Ensure they are soaked and blended well to achieve a smooth mixture. Each type of bean will lend its unique taste to the loaf, so feel free to experiment!
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This Holiday Almond Loaf freezes well. After baking and cooling, slice the loaf and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits, just reheat directly from the freezer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make the Holiday Almond Loaf gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs in place of regular ones. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This makes the loaf suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).