Michael's Easy Lentil Loaf

This is a super easy and budget-friendly lentil loaf recipe that I've been making for a while now. With a decent side, it makes a excellent hot meal on the cheap for vegetarians.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 184 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• nonstick cooking spray
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small white onion, diced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine water and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until lentils are soft and most of the water is evaporated, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.

Step 3

Drain and partially mash lentils, then scrape into a mixing bowl. Stir in oats, Cheddar cheese, and onion. Add tomato sauce, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, and pepper; mix until well combined. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of the spoon.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until top of loaf is dry, firm, and golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and invert onto a serving platter.