NIGHT BEFORE. SOAK. In a medium-size bowl, cover lentils in at least 3 inches of water and soak overnight.RINSE. Rinse and drain.COOK. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, bay leaf and 3-4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling turn heat down to simmer and let cook until lentils become soft about 25-30 minutes. DRAIN. Drain set aside to cool.
DRY INGREDIENTS
PROCESS. In a highspeed blender or food processor, process oats until fine.COMBINE. In a large bowl, combine processed oats, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, onion powder, salt & pepper and mix well. Set aside.
VEGETABLE MIXTURE
SAUTE. Heat a large skillet with 1 tablespoon neutral oil on medium-high heat. ADD onions and a generous pinch of salt and saute until translucent about 1-2 minutes, add garlic and saute until garlic becomes fragrant. ADD. Shiitake mushrooms, carrot, celery, red pepper, tomato paste and stir to combine. ADD. Vegetable stock and turn heat to medium-low and cover. Let cook stirring occasionally until mushrooms have released their liquid, vegetables have softened and most of the cooking liquid has absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove lid and cook a few more minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat set aside and let cool.
FLAX EGG AND GLAZE
Meanwhile, while the vegetables are cooking. PREHEAT. The oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.PREPARE. Flax egg and glaze.FLAX EGG. In a small bowl, combine ground flax and water and stir well to incorporate and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. The flax will expand and congeal. This will be our binding agent that keeps the lentil loaf intact.GLAZE. In a small bowl, combine ketchup, nutritional yeast, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
COMBINE. In the large bowl, containing the dry ingredients add cooled lentils, vegetable mixture, and flax egg. Using your hands blend all ingredients together until well combined and dough like. This is a good time to taste and adjust seasonings.COOK. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled or (if removing meatloaf to put on serving dish) parchment lined meatloaf pan.GLAZE. Brush glaze mixture on top of the lentil loaf covering all edges of the loaf. COVER & BAKE. Cover with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove tin foil and bake another 5-10 minutes uncovered.REMOVE. Remove from oven and let cool and rest for 15 minutes. The meatloaf will cut better.
GARNISH
Garnish is optional. I like to add fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley down the middle for a burst of color and some added flavor.
SERVE.
ENJOY!
Notes
NOTE.1. Be sure your lentils aren’t still wet from cooking or your loaf could end up soggy.