French Green lentil meatloaf

Adapted from: http://www.veganricha.com/recipe-p…/vegan-lentil-quinoa-loaf

Serves: 1

1/2 c. french green lentils
1/3 c. uncooked quinoa
1 bay leaf
2 1/4 c. water
2 tsp. oil
3/4 c. chopped onion
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 Chili Pepper, chopped
1/2 c. celery finely chopped
1/2 c. carrots, thinly grated
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp. fresh parsley
1/4 c. craisins
2 Tbsp. wheat germ meal
1 Tbsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 - 3 Tbsp. ketchup
1 - 2 Tbsp. tamari
2 Tbsp. tahini
1 - 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp. coarsely ground fennel seeds
1/2 - 3/4 c. Panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. combine Lentils, bay leaf and water in a pot over medium heat. bring to a boil and allow to cook for 20 minutes. Rinse quinoa, add to the pan, partially cover and continue to cook until both lentils and quinoa is very tender and easily mashed. Stir the mixture after 10 minutes so it will not stick to the pan. For a total of 10 to 15 minutes. If there is any excess water drain, before transferring to a bowl.

2. In a medium- sized dutch oven skillet add oil, and heat over medium heat. Add in onion, garlic and Chili Pepper and cook for about 5 minutes. or until vegetables are translucent.

3. Add in celery, carrots, thyme, oregano, parsley and blend well. allow to cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are delicate. Start adding in the craisins, and blend. Mixing the mixture. Allowing to cook for about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

4. Add in the cooked vegetables and the wheat germ meal into a mixing bowl, and mix well. Mashing the mixture well with a potato masher.

5.Add tahini, yeast, fennel seeds and blend in well. Taste and adjust to your tastes. Add in more sauces, herbs and salt if need be.

6. Add panko breadcrumbs and mix well.

7. Line loaf pan with parchment paper, or use non-stick cooking spray. If using parchment paper, line parchment over the edges of the pan. Using a medium- sized loaf pan.

8. pressing the mixture down into the loaf pan. pack in good and smooth it out evenly.

9. cover the loaf and bake at 375 for 25 to 30 minutes. uncover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes.

Note:

For a less crumbly loaf loaf, cook the lentils really well. Mashing them very well.