Say adios to meatloaf. After seeing this recipe, you’ll never crave it again. This faux loaf is savory, hearty, surprising, and… meatless. That’s right. Meat-free.
This loaf is made with iron-heavy lentils and it’s full of flavor, vitamins, minerals, and absolutely no hormones or antibiotics (that sometimes sneak into meat products).
To make this comforting and cozy meal, you start with a standard mix of carrot, celery, and onion, all sautéed over low heat until soft and fragrant. This will be the first layer of flavor for the lentil loaf. Then lentils are added in with a swirl of tomato paste for a wonderful umami flavor.
Then a smattering of nuts to add crunch and flavor and finally, a finishing of fresh herbs gives the loaf that unexpected brightness to every bite.
And now my favorite part! Before slipping it in the oven, the loaf gets a brush of corn syrup free ketchup. The glaze caramelizes in the oven and the loaf develops a glistening and delicious crust.
You can serve this dish as whole in a platter or in slices. If you have leftovers, use them for sandwiches or to top pasta. Trust me, you will be amazed with this lentil dish preparation and you won’t miss meat at all.