With Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (separate recipes)
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion , chopped (about 1 cup)
1 carrot , chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 celery , chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce/tamari/Braggs Aminos
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
Ketchup
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375ºF and oil a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with olive oil.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Stir occasionally until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with an "S" blade, combine the cooked lentils, oats, walnuts, flax, tamari, thyme, cayenne, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. When the vegetables are tender, add them in, too.
Pulse several times, just until the mixture starts to stick together when you press it between your fingers. You don't want it totally smooth, for the best texture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, then press firmly to pack it together. Stir the glaze ingredients together and brush it over the top of the loaf. Bake uncovered at 375ºF for 30 minutes.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to easily lift it out of the pan. Slice and serve warm.
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the leftover loaf will be a little more dry in texture when you reheat it, so you might want to serve it with gravy for added moisture.