Here's what you will need:
Lentil loaf:
1 cup of uncooked lentils (wash them and sort them there are always some random stones, etc in the package
3 cup of water
1 small onion diced and 1/2 of an onion
Half of a sweet potato shredded
Half of an Granny Smith Apple shredded
4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1/2 cup of oats (crush them with food processor to make a powder)
1/2 cup of bread crumbs (any kind you like, seasoned, homemade...whatever floats your boat)
1/2 cup of Walnuts chopped
1 tsp of dried thyme
3-4 tblsp of Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
1/2 cup of ketchup
2Tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar
2Tbsp of Apple Sauce
1Tbsp of Agave
Pre-heat your oven to 350.
Place the 3 cups of water in a pot and let the water boil you can add salt and half of the onion to flavor the water, or use a veggie broth or just plain water. It's up to you. Add the lentils and let the water come back to a boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 40-45minutes. You want to basically overcook the lentils. In the meantime, take 2tbsp or so of the oil and sautee the onion and garlic for a few minutes, then add the sweet potatoe, apple and walnuts. Sautee for about another 5 minutes. Put this in a large bowl, then add the breadcrumb, ground oats, thyme, dash of salt and mix well. Once the lentils are finished take 3/4 of it and blend (I used my Cuisinart hand blender) then other 1/4 just put in the mixture bowl. When you have finished blending the lentils add them to the bowl as well. Mix well with you hands is best. Then taste to see if you need salt or pepper. Now, if this wasn't vegan you wouldn't be able to just stick your finger in and taste. You would probably get really sick. :0
Get your loaf pan out and lightly grease with remaining Olive Oil and then add parchment paper to cover the inside with some paper hanging out the sides. Put your mixture in the loaf pan and push down with your hand to make it even. Now, to make the sauce...
Take all the ingredients and wisk really well. Take half or so of the sauce and cover the top of the load generously. Save the rest for dipping.
Place your loaf in the center of the oven and bake for about 45 then remove and let sit for about 5 minutes in the pan. Remove from the pan and let it cool on a cooling rack. Then slice and enjoy!!!
You can always add celery or carrots instead of sweet potato. I saw a lot of recipes that called for those ingredients instead. Sweet potatoes are so good for you I decided to add them instead. Have fun with it!!
