Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf

First of all , when you make this put it in a small loaf pan, lined with parchment paper. If you use a large pan it will not get done in the center. If you do not have small pans use muffin tins which works really nice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked red lentils-or green if you have them.
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
• 3 tablespoons ground flax plus 1/4 cup water
• 4-5 garlic cloves minced
• 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 firm apple, grated
• 1/3 cup raisins- I put these in the food processor and pulsed them a few times to break them up.
• 1/2 cup oat flour-I put instant oatmeal in the food processor to make flour.
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or  3/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1 Tablespoon parsley

1 teaspoon oregano

2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning

2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Southwestern Chipolte Seasoning

Pepper to taste.

If you really feel it needs salt add some but go easy- I used none

1/4 cup ketchup

Balsamic Apple Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons apple butter or unsweetened apple sauce
• 2 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Rinse lentils. Put lentils in kettle with 3 cups broth or water. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until lentils are overcooked. Stir frequently. Add more water if needed..
3. Mash  lentils slightly with a spoon or fork.
4. Toast walnuts at 325 degrees until golden. Watch closely, stirring frequently. Do not let these burn. Set aside.
5. whisk ground flax seed with water and set aside.
6. Saute onion and garlic until translucent about 5 minutes.
7. Add celery, carrot, apple and raisins. saute 5 minutes more.
8. remove from heat.In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
9. Use a small loaf pan or muffin tin that has been sprayed and lined with parchment paper.
10. Press mixture firmly into pan. Whisk glaze and spread over "meatloaf".
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes
12. Wait 10 minutes before taking out of the pan, after baking. Slice when almost cool.

Enjoy!!!