Savory Lentil Loaf With A Cranberry Glaze

This flavorful lentil loaf makes for a great meatless meal.

  Most people think that a meatless meal is boring and full of veggies. Last year when I attended my son's military ball, I ordered the vegetarian meal as I don't eat meat. I was shocked at what they considered a vegetarian meal when they brought out my plate. They simply served me a plate of mashed potatoes and vegetables, the same thing everyone else had on their plates, just without the meal. This was a fancy restaurant and the chef considered this to be a vegetarian meal. I just don't understand as it is so easy to make a delicious meal for vegetarians. The way to make meatless meals taste wonderful is by using flavorful sauces and herbs along with meatless protein options. Eating vegetarian does not mean you have to eat boring meals of vegetables.

    Savory Lentil Loaf With Cranberry Glaze

                       Serves: 6-7

          Ingredients

                       3 cups cooked lentils 

                       3 tbsp chia seed

                       1/2 cup water

                       1/2 cup chopped onion

                       2 tbsp olive oil

                       1/2 tsp sea salt

                       1 tsp minced garlic

                       1 cup oatmeal

                       2 pieces wheat bread

                       1/2 cup cranberry glaze-see below for recipe

                       1 cup chopped cashew nuts
                       1/2 cup water

Instructions  Preheat oven to 350F

1. Combine your chia and water, mix together and set aside to let it gel.

2. Combine the lentils, onion, garlic, salt, and oil all in a skillet and cook on medium until onion and lentils are soft about 10 minutes.

3. Place the lentil mixture in a large bowl and set aside.

4. Combine the oatmeal and bread in a food processor and grind into a flour texture.

5. Then add the oat flour and gelled chia to the lentils that are in a large bowl. Stir in the cranberry sauce, the chopped cashew nuts, and 1/2 cup water.

6. Mix everything together with a spoon or even your hands to make sure it gets well combined. Then press mixture into a 9X5 greased baking pan.

7. Bake for 45 minutes at 350F

When the lentil loaf is done, slice into slices and serve with the cranberry glaze.

    Cranberry Glaze

                  1 cup fresh cranberries
                  1/4 cup sugar
                  1/2 cup water
   Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over med-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir for ten minutes and lower heat to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes without stirring. Use this flavor glaze over the lentil loaf.