Ingredients:
2 C water
1 tsp salt
1 C dry lentils, rinsed and drained
1 small onion, diced
1 C quick-cooking or regular oatmeal
3/4 C shredded cheddar or American cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 / 3 C ketchup
1 T dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2-4 T olive oil
½ C ketchup for topping
Mexican Variation: Substitute the italicized ingredients above with 1 T taco seasoning mix.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, butter or shortening and set it aside.
Boil 2 cups of water with 1 tsp of salt in a saucepan. Add 1 C of lentils to boiling water. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Lentils should become soft and most of the water should evaporate. Once done, let them cool a bit. Drain and partially mash the lentils.
In a large mixing bowl, combine lentils with onion, oats, and cheese. Add beaten egg, ketchup, dried parsley, seasonings, black pepper and oil. Mix well.
Spoon the lentil mixture into the loaf pan. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon. Cover loaf with an additional ½ C ketchup or more to your liking. Bake for 30-45 minutes.
Let the loaf cool in the pan on a rack for about 10 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan. Slice and serve with extra ketchup, salsa and /or sour cream.
Recipe Notes: This recipe uses a large (about 9" X 5") bread pan. A half recipe will fill a small (8" X 4") loaf pan. You could make a small loaf for home and one for a friend or for your freezer. Leftover slices are easily reheated with a little water in a covered skillet. Like any meatloaf, it can be served with rice, mashed potatoes and a vegetable or salad.
Links to more Lentil recipes:
Lentils Shakshuka from Savory Spin
Lentils Cooked with Orzo and Caramelized Onions from Greek chef Diane Kochilas
Lentils Mexicanas from The Seasoned Franciscan post of August 8, 2022.
Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup from Real Food Whole Life
Timeless Foods of the Northern Great Plains provides recipes for many pulses and nutritious food products they grow using sustainable farming to be responsible citizens of the planet.
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Story:
Fasting is an important spiritual practice during Lent for Christians along with prayer and giving to those in need. It can increase awareness of our poverty and need for God and deepen our prayer for conversion of the world! Lentil Meatloaf and other tasty lentil recipes help us eat simply and support and identify with humble cultures who do so.
Lentils are a staple food at local food pantries, but are often passed by because customers are unfamiliar. Recently, WAFER of La Crosse presented a cooking class using lentils. Participants liked the taste, the ease of preparation and hoped to try lentils at home! A small mission accomplished. Photo above used with permission from WAFER La Crosse.
What are lentils? Lentils and other legumes (the podded plants) and pulses (the seed in the pod of the plant) are good for the earth as they fix nitrogen in the soil and do not need chemical fertilizer. They provide a good rotation crop for organic farmers and have a good yield. Farming innovations with lentils in Montana are described in Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America.
Will my household eat lentils? Lentils take on the flavors of the recipe’s spices and other ingredients. They are inexpensive and do not require pre-soaking for hours like other legumes. Lentils are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They come in several varieties based on color and texture when cooked and are found in many ethnic cuisines. East Indian dal and curries use yellow lentils. Brown, green and black lentils are found in the recipe links above.
Invitations to Mission:
- Use lentils or other legumes as a substitute for animal protein on a regular basis as a Lenten fast that may continue in your lifestyle. Give money saved to buy canned beans and other foods to stock a food pantry or feed a neighbor.
- Support WAFER or a food pantry near you with cash, food or volunteer contributions. Refer a friend who might qualify for assistance. Learn more about the work they do to reduce food insecurity and build our community health.
- Consider what plant proteins were common in your ethnic heritage or in one you admire. Just search for “Greek recipes for lentils or legumes", for example, and explore with your household through home cooking and/or restaurant choices. This could be a fun Lenten project and is cheaper than a vacation!
- Learn more about farming with legumes in Lentil Underground, mentioned above and their company Timeless Food that challenged big agriculture and became a successful alternative food source. Their site has over 60 recipes!
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