Mindy's Lentil Loaf

This recipe was given to me by my best friend's mom (who has always been a second mom to me!), that she found from THE SIMPLE VEGANISTA. She gave me a copy of this recipe right before our big move to Florida, over 7 months ago. I misplaced the recipe and forgot about it, so today when I found it, I easily knew what we were going to be making for dinner! This loaf is delicious, flavorful, and filling. It gives you the option of slicing the pieces into any thickness you want, to serve any amount of people, and provides delicious leftovers. Each slice can easily be wrapped up and frozen to make a delicious lentil burger too, good on a sandwich or in a bun later on. This was also a big hit for my non-vegan husband (who was even excited about helping me make most of it!), which is always a good sign. Vegan, vegetarian, or meat eater; this recipe is easy, although a bit time consuming, but I promise all your efforts will make it totally worth it.

Ingredients:

1 cup of dry lentils
3 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds
olive oil for sautéing
3 garlic cloves or 2 tablespoons of garlic paste
1 small onion
1 small bell pepper
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
¾ cup of oats
½ cup of oat flour (or finely ground oats)
1 teaspoon of dried thyme, or other favorite herbs of your liking
1 heaping teaspoon of cumin or turmeric
Any other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic and onion powder, chipotle pepper, etc.
Cracked pepper
Ground sea or himalayan salt

Glaze Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of organic ketchup
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
(prepare to make more as a sauce to serve with the loaf too if you want, it compliments it perfectly!)



Directions:

Rinse lentils and boil in large pot with 2 and ½ cups of water. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cover for about 30 minutes or until soft.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine ground flaxseeds with ⅓ cup of water in a small bowl and put in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This mixture will thicken and act as a good binding agent for the loaf (also a good egg substitute in other recipes!)

Dice all vegetables and sauté in a saucepan with garlic and olive oil. Mix well and add spices. Let cook for about 5 minutes.

Throw the lentils (once cooked) into a food processor until well blended. Mix everything (lentils, oats, oat flour, vegetables, flax mixture) together in a large bowl. Taste test and add any more spices you feel are necessary.

Spray loaf pan with coconut oil (or any other oil) spray, and fill with loaf mixture. Smooth out top by pressing down firmly. Mix together glaze ingredients and pour evenly over top. Smooth with the back of a spoon.

Bake in oven for 45-50 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Prepare some extra "glaze" if you want a nice sauce to pair it with (since the glaze portioned may not be enough for you!)

Enjoy :)