Deliciously Savory Lentil Loaf
This Deliciously Savory Lentil Loaf is a wholesome and hearty twist on the traditional meatloaf, perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike! Our modified version of the popular recipe enhances flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying and packed with nutrients. With a blend of lentils, fresh vegetables, and a hint of cheese, this meatloaf is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or in sandwiches. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it's a dish that surprises with its delightful taste and comforting textures. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that not only nourishes the body but also pleases the palate!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (Boiled)
salt
1 teaspoon (For boiling water)
lentils
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
onion
1 (Diced)
celery
2 sticks (Diced)
garlic cloves
2 (Crushed)
medium carrots
2 (Grated)
quick-cooking oats
1 cup (Uncooked)
tasty cheese
3/4 cup (Grated)
egg
1 (Beaten)
tomato sauce
4.5 ounces (Prepared)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (Dried)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (Dried)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add 1 cup of lentils and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the water has evaporated. Drain the lentils and lightly mash them. Transfer them to a mixing bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery for about 10-15 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in the grated carrots and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add this vegetable mixture to the bowl with the lentils.
3
To the lentil and vegetable mixture, add 1 cup of quick-cooking oats, 4.5 ounces of tomato sauce, 3/4 cup of grated cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4
Finally, stir in 1 beaten egg, making sure to mix gently to avoid cooking the egg with the warm ingredients.
5
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top of the loaf is firm, dry, and golden brown. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
7
After cooling, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and carefully turn the loaf out onto a serving platter. Slice and serve warm, perhaps with additional tomato sauce or a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
41.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source in the Deliciously Savory Lentil Loaf?
The primary protein source in this recipe is lentils, providing 12.5g of protein per serving.
Is this lentil loaf recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, as it contains no meat but does include egg and cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this lentil loaf?
Each serving of the Deliciously Savory Lentil Loaf contains 300 calories.
At what temperature should I bake the lentil loaf?
The lentil loaf should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the loaf?
The loaf typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to bake, or until the top is firm, dry, and golden brown.
What size loaf pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a lightly greased 9-inch loaf pan for this recipe.
How should I prepare the lentils before mixing?
Boil 1 cup of lentils in 2 cups of salted water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and then lightly mash them.
What type of oats are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 cup of quick-cooking oats.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the loaf?
Yes, you should sauté the onion, garlic, and celery for 10-15 minutes, then add carrots and cook for another 10 minutes.
Does this recipe use eggs?
Yes, it uses one beaten egg to help bind the ingredients together.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 41.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Which dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
Can I use this lentil loaf for sandwiches?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is incredibly versatile and can be served in sandwiches.
How long should I let the loaf cool before serving?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before turning it out.
How do I remove the loaf from the pan without it sticking?
Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and then carefully turn the loaf out onto a serving platter.
What kind of sauce goes well with this loaf?
The recipe suggests serving it warm with additional tomato sauce on the side.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What amount of cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated tasty cheese.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be grated before being cooked with the vegetable mixture.
How much tomato sauce is needed for the mixture?
You will need 4.5 ounces of tomato sauce for the loaf mixture.
Should the lentils be cooked covered or uncovered?
The lentils should be simmered uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
Is seasoning salt included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
Can I use black pepper in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I know when the lentils are ready?
Lentils are ready when they are tender and most of the water has evaporated.
How many celery sticks are used?
The recipe uses 2 sticks of diced celery.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Is this recipe considered sustainable?
Yes, 'sustainable cooking' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
How do I combine the egg with the mixture?
The beaten egg should be stirred in gently at the end to avoid cooking it with the warm ingredients.
What should the top of the loaf look like when finished?
The top of the loaf should be firm, dry, and golden brown when it is fully baked.