Vegetarian meatloaf

Vegetarian loaf with lentils, mushrooms, and greens: a delicious and healthy recipe

I propose a vegetarian loaf recipe that will bring a touch of freshness and an unusual flavor to your table. This combination of lentils, mushrooms, and greens is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Inspired by traditional recipes, but adapted to meet vegetarian requirements, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a savory appetizer.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup champignon mushrooms (approximately 150 g)
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 bunch green garlic, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- a pinch of turmeric
- 2 eggs (optional, 3 boiled eggs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- a little palm oil for greasing the mold
- 3 tablespoons flour (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the lentils: Start by boiling the red lentils. Place the lentils in a pot and cover them with water. Boil for 15 minutes, then drain well and let cool. Red lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, low in calories, making them perfect for a healthy vegetarian dish.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and carrot, then the finely chopped mushrooms. I prefer to use a blender to chop them quickly, but you can chop them manually if you enjoy the cooking process. Sauté the vegetables over low heat for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped green onions and green garlic, then the greens (dill, parsley, and thyme).

3. Seasoning: Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Turmeric not only provides an attractive golden color but also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

4. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and drained lentils. Let the vegetable mixture cool slightly, then add the beaten eggs (if desired, you can skip them for a vegan option, but add a little flour to bind the mixture). Mix well, then add the flour if you chose to use it. This will help with the consistency of the loaf, especially if the lentils were not very well drained.

5. Forming the loaf: Grease a loaf pan with a little palm oil. Pour the mixture into the mold, leveling it evenly. If you want to add boiled eggs for a surprise inside, place them in the center of the mixture.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes. Check if it’s done by doing the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, the loaf is perfect.

7. Cooling and serving: Let the loaf cool in the mold for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove it. You can serve the loaf warm or cold, sliced, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with herbs.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want a denser loaf, you can also add a few slices of bread soaked in water, but don’t overdo it, so as not to change the flavor.
- The vegetarian loaf is versatile – you can adapt it to your preferences by adding other vegetables or sauces you like.
- You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegetarian loaf recipe is rich in protein due to the lentils, and the mushrooms contribute fiber and vitamins. The greens add not only flavor but also a lot of antioxidants. Additionally, this recipe is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy appetizer.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms?
Yes, you can add zucchini, spinach, or any other vegetables you prefer.
2. Is the vegetarian loaf good the next day?
Yes, the loaf can be stored in the fridge and consumed the next day, with the flavor becoming even more intense.
3. Can you freeze the loaf?
Yes, the loaf can be successfully frozen, and when you want to consume it, you can let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

This vegetarian loaf with lentils, mushrooms, and greens is an excellent choice for holiday meals or as a healthy appetizer. Enjoy it with a refreshing drink or a white wine, and your friends will surely be impressed by this delicacy! Enjoy your meal!