Lentil Loaf

1 cup dry green lentils

4 cups water

3 tablespoons flaxseed meal

1/3 cup water

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 small white or yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup diced onion)

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced, optional

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon coriander

1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats

1/2 cup gluten free oat flour (you can make your own!)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper

For the glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (omit if you don't like spicy food)

Rinse the lentils in a large mesh strainer. Add 4 cups of water to a large pot with lentils and a dash of salt, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils absorb most of the water and become tender. Drain lentils and set aside

While the lentils cook: Mix flaxseed meal and 1/3 cup water to a small bowl and place in the refrigerator while you make the rest of the loaf. The flaxseed meal will help bind the loaf together. Use eggs for binder if you don't need the loaf to be vegan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper

Place large pan over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Once oil is hot, add in garlic, onion, bell pepper, carrot, jalapeno and cilantro; saute for 5-7 minutes or until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften a bit

Add in spices and cook for 30 more seconds, then transfer to a large bowl; set aside

Using a blender or food processor, blend about 2 cups of the cooked lentils

Transfer to the bowl with the sauteed veggies, and stir in the remaining lentils along with the oats, oat flour, and flaxseed meal (from the fridge!). Add salt and pepper, then taste and add more spices or salt and pepper if desired

Add mixture to prepared loaf pan, pressing and smoothing to the sides to make sure it bakes evenly. Quickly prepare your glazed by combining all ingredients in a small bowl then spreading half of the sauce on top

Bake loaf for 45 minutes. Top with remaining sauce

Remove from heat and cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from pan. Cut into 5 slices and serve! I like to enjoy it with a little extra ketchup or bbq sauce. Also delicious served with mashed potatoes!