2tablespoonsvegetable oilplus more for the loaf pan
1cupbrown lentils
1/2small yellow onionfinely diced
1carrotfinely diced
2stalks celeryfinely diced
2Yukon gold potatoesfinely diced
1/2teaspoongranulated garlic
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
1/8teaspooncrushed red chile flakes
2 1/2cupsvegetable stock
1tablespoontamari or soy sauce
2teaspoonspoultry seasoning
1/2teaspoonhot sauce
2/3sleeve saltine crackerscrushed
5eggslightly beaten
1/2cupshredded Cheddar
Tangy Tomato Sauce
1cupketchup
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
2teaspoonsyellow mustard
1/4 to 1/2teaspoonhot sauce
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a large loaf pan and line with parchment paper, then set aside.
Soak the lentils in hot water while you prep the vegetables. Pour the vegetable oil into a large saucepot on medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and potatoes. Add the granulated garlic, salt, pepper and chile flakes. Saute until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring frequently. Drain the lentils, and add to the pot along with the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are very soft and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 1 hour. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 30 minutes.
Add the tamari, poultry seasoning, hot sauce and crackers to the lentil mix. Combine with the eggs and Cheddar. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until the top begins to crack and the loaf is firm to the touch, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Add the Tangy Tomato Sauce to the top in the last 15 minutes.
Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and hot sauce in a small saucepot. Heat on medium heat until hot and bubbly.
Notes
You can make the loaf without the cheese and eggs in advance. It freezes nicely. After thawing, mix in the cheese and eggs and bake according to the recipe. Once the loaf is baked, do not freeze it.