Lentil Loaf Surprise

 
 
 
 
Ingredients:
  • 3 C hot water
  • 1 C lentils
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • 1/2 C chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 C fresh bread crumbs
  • 1/2 C milk
  • 1 egg or 1/4 C egg substitute
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 small celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 T soy sauce
  • 1 t ground cumin
  • 1/2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 t dried tyme
  • 1/4 t ground black pepper
  • 1/4 C tomato sauce

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    Direction:

    In a 2-quart casserole, combine water, lentils, and bay leaf. Microwave on high 20 minutes. Drain. Remove and discard bay leaf. Transfer lentils to a food processor with metal chopping blade. Add walnuts, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onions, carrots, celery, soy sauce, cumin, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Process until well mixed and smooth.

    Grease an 8" X 8" baking dish. Add lentil mixture and smooth the top with a spatula. Spread tomato sauce over top. Microwave on high 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool 3-4 minutes before serving.

    Variation:
    makes great sandwiches. Let cool throughly. Thinly slice loaf and slip into pita pockets. Top with shredded cheeese, chopped scallions, chopped tomatoes, sprouts, and a dollop of nonfat yougurt. Or use two slices bread and top with shredded cheese, sprouts, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and some nonfat yogurt or sour cream.

    Serves 4