I used to think everyone knew how to make a lentil loaf and all this time i was wrong.
I took a basic lentil loaf recipe i found online and i always modify it each time. its never the same.
Making a lentil loaf is really simple. Lentils cook so fast, no need to soak the night before.
First, start with a 1 pound bag of lentils.
Follow the directions on the package, but use hot water from the tap, as hot as you can get it. It helps cook it faster than starting from cold water. This way it takes around 45 minutes or less.
While the lentils are cooking, I sometimes like to add chopped celery and onions. That way the flavors kind of meld together more.
When the lentils are done, drain them and put them back in the pan. You then add 2 small cans of tomato sauce. (i use no salt added) You can either add a can or two of canned tomatos, or you can use a package of grape tomatos. And just mix it all together. I make many variations of the loaf recipe I originally found online.
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Lentil Loaf
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1 bag dry lentils
2 cans tomato sauce
1 medium onion, chopped and added while lentils are cooking
1-2 cans diced tomatos or 1-2 packages fresh grape tomatos or cherry tomatos.
2/3 or 1 cup Oats
2-3 tablespoons Italian seasoning(or oregano)
Mix well. Add whatever else you want to the mix and mix well. I like adding a bag of frozen corn sometimes. Sometimes peas. Those are the only 2 veggies my husband will actually eat willingly. It's a good way to sneak in some veggies for the kids too.
Seasonings: If you want all 3 the same, then add the flavor/spices to the mix before putting into the pans. I put half of the mixture into the pan, then add cumin to one, liquid smoke to another, and whatever other flavor I want for the 3rd. Then i add it all again on the top after finishing filling the pans.
Press into 2-3 loaf pans, and bake at 350 for 1 hour. My mixture always fits into 3 pans. (before putting in the pans, lightly spray the pans that are not nonstick. I have one silicone pan I use, and no need to spray. Anything fat free always plops right out.
Then you just top it off with whatever you used to use for meat loaf. Since this is what it is, a vegan version of meatloaf. You can make a vegan sauce or gravy for it or use ketchup.
(now i don't have to keep pm-ing everyone with it)
by wendysmiling » Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:34 pm 
