Description
This Festive Vegan Thanksgiving Lentil Stromboli is a flavorful and hearty holiday dish that combines savory lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect as a show-stopping vegan centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, this stromboli balances earthy lentils with vibrant spinach and subtle smoky spices, all baked to perfection for a comforting and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Stromboli Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup spinach (or kale), chopped
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup vegan cheese shreds (optional)
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (for brushing dough)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Sauté Vegetables and Assemble Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms; cook until mushrooms soften and release their juices. Add cooked lentils, chopped spinach, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Fill Dough: Spread the lentil mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space on each edge. If using, sprinkle vegan cheese shreds over the filling for added flavor and creaminess.
- Seal Stromboli: Carefully fold the sides and ends of the dough over the filling and pinch all edges tightly to seal the stromboli and prevent filling from leaking out during baking. Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the surface of the stromboli with plant-based milk to promote browning and a shiny crust. Using a sharp knife, cut 3–4 small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the stromboli in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, slice, and serve warm for a festive and delicious holiday dish.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- Vegan cheese is optional but adds a nice richness to the filling.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling leakage.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Use cooked lentils that are firm but tender for optimal filling texture.
