Not my typical post, but I enjoy diversity. My three passions: Dancing (long gone), writing, and cooking.

I am a cook-from-scratch gourmet wanna-be chef. Even though my doctor is adamant about me staying in bed, it’s an impossible mandate for a gal like me. I hate being tied down, so I get up once a week or so to cook.

Due to health issues, we are on a strict Mediterranean diet and I found this recipe, so I though I would share it with you. It’s an acquired taste for some, but we love it. I add ketchup on top of mine. And, it tastes like meatloaf after the third or fourth bite. 🙂 In fact, we are quite addicted to it now.

Photo: healthfulpursuit.com

LENTIL MEATLOAF

Serves 4-6

Preheat oven to 350◦

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can brown lentils
• 1 medium onion, diced
•  Celery rib, diced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Quaker (canister) quick oats (not instant)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 8 oz. can San Marzano peeled whole tomatoes (blended in an electric chopper)
• (any brand of these tomatoes will do. I prefer San Marzano, but that’s just me) J
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Drain and partially mash (a potato masher works best) lentils in a large bowl.
2. Put on a pair of plastic gloves is you’re a germaphobe like me or old-school it
3. Toss in onion, oats, and cheese. Mix with your hands until blended.
4. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, and pepper.
5. Mix well.
6. Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam (non-stick cooking spray)
7. Smooth top with back of spoon.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm, and golden brown.
9. Cool in pan on rack for about 10 minutes.
10. Run a knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto serving platter.

Note: Ketchup lovers – splash some on top

Buttered corn and mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic powder and Smart Beat low-sodium butter go well with this as does brussel sprouts – a pat of butter and a sprinkling of garlic powder gives them some zing.