’Meatloaf’ with a difference - no meat!

I tried a meatloaf with a difference tonight...no meat and made with Red Lentils - it was actually very delicious!

Vegetarian Lentil Loaf

Ingredients

    * 2 cups water
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 1 cup red lentils
    * 1 small onion, diced
    * 1 cup quick-cooking oats (I used the box of Rolled Oats I had)
    * 1 cup grated cheese ( I used tasty)
    * 1 egg, beaten
    * Approx 2 cups pasta sauce or tomato sauce
    * 1 teaspoon garlic powder or crushed garlic
    * 1 teaspoon dried basil
    * 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    * 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
    * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Directions

   1. Bring salt and water to a boil in a saucepan.
   2. Add red lentils and simmer covered for approx 20-25 minutes,
       until lentils are soft and the water is evaporated.
   3. Partially mash lentils.
   4. Allow lentils to cool slightly and stir in bowl with onions, oats
       and cheese until mixed.
   5. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt
       and pepper, mixing well.
   6. Put in non-stick or greased loaf pan, smooth top with back of
       spoon. I then added some extra pasta sauce to the top and
       smoothed it over. Fan bake at 180 degrees for approx 40- 50
       minutes.
   7. Remove when top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.
   8. Cool for about 10 minutes.
   9. Run a sharp knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto
       serving platter.

Both my toddler and baby found it really easy to eat and even my FDH liked it - because he does love the classic American Meatloaf. It is a great way to get more pulses into your diet.Very easy to make and low-cost for ingredients. I will definitely be making it again!