I’ve been trying to expand my cooking repertoire recently. Specifically, I’ve been trying to make things that require less gluten, less sugar and in general, more unprocessed ingredients. I want our family to eat a bit cleaner.
A recent recipe that I tried was a Lentil Loaf. Though I’ve never actually made a meatloaf, my guess is that Lentil Loaf is the Vegetarian’s answer to meat loaf.
I found the recipe on Pinterest. You can find on my Main Meals board by clicking here. If you want to go directly to the website, click here. You’ll find the recipe on The Vegan Stoner.
I love the way this recipe is laid out on the page. It uses approximate measurements and clearly communicates that this is a forgiving recipe. I don’t know about you, but that works for me!
I’ve tried this twice now…
The first time, I followed the recipe pretty closely. I used frozen mixed veggies and garlic powder. It was pretty good. It held its shape when I sliced it and it was the satiating, healthy meal I had hoped it would be. This was the final product.
The second time I decided to get more creative. ( I was also much more diligent about taking photos!) Instead of frozen veggies, I sauteed the onions with red pepper and mushroom and garlic.
I used gluten-free crackers and chips, which I crushed using a mortar and pestle.
I also used an organic vegetable spread instead of some of the ketchup.
Sadly, the second time I made this, the loaf didn’t hold together as well as the first time. It tasted great and was very filling, but I think it needed some more oven time and a bit more time to rest before we dug into it.
I’m definitely going to make this again. Though we probably cut it before it had a chance to settle into a solid loaf shape, it tasted great. The best part was when my husband told me he liked it and even better, asked me when I would make more!
Do you have suggestions for the veggies I should include in it next time, or other variations for that matter?
November 19, 2013 at 1:50 pm
I’ve never tried lentils before, but this really looks yummy! gig
November 20, 2013 at 7:51 pm
It is! It’s definitely worth the effort!
November 19, 2013 at 2:46 pm
I’m gonna have to make this some time soon! I’m a sucker for healthy food and this just looks finger-licking-delicious! 😀
November 20, 2013 at 7:52 pm
It’s great for a healthy dish! I like that…Finger-licking-delicious!
November 20, 2013 at 1:52 am
that looks delicious! I’m going to try this out. Thanks for sharing. xoxo Lisa giglove
November 20, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Enjoy! I hope the recipe turns out for you!
November 20, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Thanks 🙂
November 20, 2013 at 5:14 am
This recipe it looks fabulous! I’m always looking for new ways to add gluten free and less processed food to our meals, i like that you add mushrooms and sweetcorn! big hugs ❤
November 20, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Definitely! I also love to find ways to eat cleaner. This is a great recipe for that!
November 20, 2013 at 9:43 am
I’ve never tried lentil before either, or at least I don’t think I have, but another yummy recipe as usual!
November 20, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Lentils are so good for you! It’s worth a try!
November 20, 2013 at 4:26 pm
I never even thought of something like this! I need to try it out.
November 20, 2013 at 7:53 pm
It’s worth it! If you try it, I hope you enjoy it!
November 21, 2013 at 4:12 pm
looks delicious and healthy!
November 22, 2013 at 5:31 am
This sounds absolutely delicious and inventive I’m going to try it myself sometime.
November 22, 2013 at 11:53 am
I hope you do! It’s a flexible and delicious recipe!
November 22, 2013 at 7:42 pm
nvr try lentil before…but it look yummy!!!
November 22, 2013 at 8:01 pm
Thanks!
November 22, 2013 at 10:13 pm
Haven’t tried lentil before either but this looks delicious though. Plus it’s also healthy! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
November 22, 2013 at 10:19 pm
My pleasure!
November 24, 2013 at 12:41 am
This looks good! Going to pin this image so that I can bake this when I get a new oven!! Thanks for the recipe! ❤ giglove
November 24, 2013 at 7:45 am
Awesome! So glad that you’re saving this one!
November 24, 2013 at 1:01 am
This looks amazing! I always love healthier alternatives to traditional meals, and this is def smtg I would love to try out! The quinoa salad looks good too!
November 24, 2013 at 7:45 am
Thanks! I love this dish because it’s both healthy and yummy!
November 24, 2013 at 3:04 am
It’s strange the way cooking changes from one country to another. There are ingredients we never use here in Italy, like Quinoa. I’ve tried it many times in the states, but when I am in my Country I always use very simple and basic ingredients like pasta with fresh tomatoes or mixed vegetables cooked mostly on oven. I’d be happy to share my eating routine…a day.
xxx
mari
November 24, 2013 at 7:47 am
How interesting! I guess we would tend to use the freshest or most readily available ingredients, right?I’ve never thought about how a daily eating routine might change based on our location, but now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense!
November 24, 2013 at 11:08 am
Love the illustration of the recipe!!! So adorable…
I dont think it might be what I love… but might end up trying it 😀
giglove!
novelstyle.blogspot.com
November 24, 2013 at 11:09 am
I like the recipe card too! I think that’s why I looked at it in the first place!
November 24, 2013 at 4:20 pm
This is looks like a really healthy recipe, not sure if I would try it but the quinoa salad is something I’m interested in trying! Great pictures as well!! GIGlove!
November 24, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Thank you! Quinoa salad is a staple in my house…It goes so well with everything I cook! I’m so glad you like the photos!
November 24, 2013 at 7:29 pm
I don’t think I have ever tried lentils, but maybe I can start with this recipe. 🙂
November 24, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Lentils are a good source of protein and they can be cooked so many different ways. This is a good one to start with.
November 24, 2013 at 8:02 pm
I know what I’m making for Thanksgiving dinner now!! ❤ GIGLove
November 24, 2013 at 8:15 pm
It would be great for Thanksgiving dinner! Enjoy!
November 24, 2013 at 8:48 pm
omg looks yummy! I want to try it out too. It’s going to be perfect for ordinary days when I feel lazy and just want to heat food. “:)
November 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Yes — it’s great food for a lazy day!
November 24, 2013 at 11:32 pm
OMG!! I like this! My mum did this to me when I was younger…
November 24, 2013 at 11:38 pm
I hope it’s a good memory!
November 25, 2013 at 5:53 am
wow never tried lentil before but it looks great! 😀
November 25, 2013 at 8:25 am
Thank you!
November 25, 2013 at 6:06 am
I’m a vegan and this is surely something I’d give a try this week 🙂 It looks soo yummm!!
November 25, 2013 at 8:26 am
Absolutely! It’s a must try!
November 25, 2013 at 12:52 pm
That looks really, really tasty! Need to try it at the weekend :).
November 25, 2013 at 7:55 pm
I hope you do! Enjoy!
November 25, 2013 at 6:39 pm
like the idea! never thought of lentil loaf
gig
November 25, 2013 at 7:55 pm
It’s yummy!
November 25, 2013 at 11:46 pm
wah looks delicious!!!! never thought of using lentils as a staple >.<
November 29, 2013 at 7:24 am
They work great in this dish!
November 26, 2013 at 12:05 am
oh my! this looks yummy!
November 29, 2013 at 7:24 am
Thank you!
November 26, 2013 at 4:22 am
That looks seriously delicious! The second attempt looks so tasty, great ingredient combo 😀
November 29, 2013 at 7:25 am
I really enjoyed the second attempt at it!