Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup / 120g)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 cup / 100g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
- 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils (200g)
- 1 cup rolled oats (90g)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (50g)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (60g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare loaf pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened (about 8-10 minutes). Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute more.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, lentils, oats, nuts, tomato paste, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and flax egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press down firmly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, maple syrup (or agave), and Dijon mustard.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until loaf is firm to the touch and the glaze (if used) is nicely browned.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.