Lentil–Mushroom Seitan Roast

A hearty, savory lentil–mushroom seitan roast with deep, “beefy” flavor and a caramelized glaze, cooked in the air fryer alongside tender marinated carrots. Perfect as a holiday centerpiece or cozy dinner main.

Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Special Equipment: air fryer, silicone baking dish for air fryer, food processor

Ingredients

Lentil–Mushroom Roast

• 1 cup cooked brown lentils &

• 6 baby bella mushrooms cooked together with the beef bouillon cube & minced garlic

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 “Not Beef” bouillon cube

• 1 tsp all-purpose, no-salt seasoning

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1-2 tsp nutritional yeast

• ½ tsp liquid smoke (to taste)

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• ½ cup vital wheat gluten flour

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Vegan pork-style marinade or glaze (store-bought)

• These Maple–Dijon Roasted Carrots with Creamy Cashew–Feta Sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Roast Mixture: Add the cooked lentils & baby bella mushrooms, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, and avocado oil to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and textured but not completely smooth.

   Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the vital wheat gluten flour until a firm, cohesive dough forms and resembles a traditional roast.

2. Shape and Assemble: Form the mixture into a compact loaf shape. Place it into a silicone pie dish or air-fryer-safe baking dish.

   Arrange the marinated carrots around the roast and lightly drizzle everything with olive oil. Loosely cover the dish with foil.

3. Air Fry: Cook in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

   Remove the foil, brush or spoon the vegan pork-style marinade generously over the top of the roast, and increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C).Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the roast is firm to the touch. Place the roast directly into the air fryer and the carrots tossed in the sauce into the baking dish.

4. Rest and Serve: Remove from the air fryer and allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set properly.

Tips:

• Resting is key! Slicing too early can cause the roast to crumble.

• For a firmer texture, knead the dough briefly (30–45 seconds) before shaping.

• Leftovers slice beautifully for sandwiches or holiday plates the next day.