April 2010--Vegetarian "Meat" loaf

This recipe has been an old stand-by for a while now. It's a nice substitute for the meat version (not to mention much healthier and cheaper). We eat it just like we would regular meatloaf--with ketchup. Mmmm.....

Ingredients:
2 1/2 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1 c. lentils
1 small onion, diced
1 c. quick cooking oats
3/4 c. grated cheese (cheddar, swiss, jack or American)
1 egg, beaten
4.5 oz. tomato or spaghetti sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1 TB dried parsley
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Add salt to water and boil in a saucepan. Add lentils and simmer, covered, 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Remove from heat and partially mash lentils. Scrape into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.

Stir in onion, oats, and cheese until mixed. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Spoon into loaf pan that has been well oiled. Press mixture into a loaf and smooth top with back of spoon.

Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes or until top of loaf is dry, firm, and golden brown.

Cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edges of pan and then turn out onto serving platter.