This week has been a busy one with John home from work on vacation and Tobin begining kindergarten. With all of the running around, it is no surprise that we have not had much time for extra crafting! I figured this might be a good opportunity to introduce a recipe...one that we will probably make this week; a very appropriate dish for this September weather.
As promised, I wanted to introduce some of the vegetarian meals that we prepare here at home that your family might also enjoy. Besides being ultra healthy, cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase in the store can greatly reduce our weekly grocery bills, which is always a good thing! The Lentil Loaf is a great preparation becasue it it comes out looking quite attractive, is delicious and is best when eaten with sides of veggies, mashed potatoes and ketchup!
To make this Lentil Loaf, begin by placing a bag of dry red lentils in a pot with 5-6 cups of water; bring to a boil, then reduce to low until most of the water has been absorbed. Chop 1/2 of a yellow onion and 1 red pepper. Heat some olive oil and some red curry paste 1/2 tsp. or more to taste {I use the Thai Kitchen brand; it is a tiny jar, but you'll have it for quite a while!} in a pan, then add your onion and pepper.
Once the peppers and onions have finished cooking, remove from heat. The next step is to combine your lentils, 1 egg and the pepper/onion mix {oil and all}, into a large mixing bowl. Then add your bread crumbs. I have never measured this out, I just continue to add a bit at a time, making sure it is all mixed thouroughly, until it feels good and thick. Spread your lentils into a baking dish {I spray my baking dish with a non stick spray first}. Cover with tin foil and bake in the oven for 40 minutes at 350', then uncover it and cook for another 10 minutes. You can check it with a knife, but it may still be a bit soft...the best thing to do is to let it sit and cool for a bit before serving it. The Lentil loaf is even better after it has gone into the fridge and is reheated the next day!
Lentil loaf is so great because it really gives the illusion of a "meatloaf and potatoes" meal, while being a super healthy, vegetatiian option. I love anything that can be made easily and in large enough amounts so that we have leftovers for another night! This has been especially helpful this week when we would rather spend opur time talking about all of the new and exciting things that have been happening, rather than slaving over the stove! I hope you enjoy this!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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