
North American · 75 min · Medium · 6 slices
Lentil and Walnut Meatloaf
A dense, savory loaf of lentils and toasted walnuts under a sticky ketchup glaze that caramelizes at the edges. It slices cleanly, which is most of the battle.
~380 cal per serving — Calories are approximate, per serving — a guide only.
Method
- 1
Cook the lentils
⏱ 25 minSimmer the lentils in plenty of water until soft and just starting to break down, then drain them well. Wet lentils make a loaf that will not slice.
- 2
Toast the walnuts
⏱ 4 minToast the walnuts in a dry skillet until they smell nutty, then chop them roughly. Two minutes of attention here is worth more than any amount of seasoning later.
- 3
Soften the vegetables
⏱ 9 minHeat the oil and cook the onion, carrot and garlic with the thyme until soft and sweet, about eight minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it a minute longer.
- 4
Mix the loaf
Heat the oven to 190C (375F). Mash about half the lentils, then mix everything with the oats, walnuts and Worcestershire sauce. Season well; it should taste slightly too salty raw.
- 5
Glaze and bake
⏱ 45 minPress into a lined loaf tin. Stir the ketchup and maple syrup together and spread it over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, until the glaze is dark at the corners.
- 6
Rest before slicing
⏱ 10 minLet it stand in the tin for at least ten minutes. Cut it too early and it crumbles; this is not optional.
Notes
Better on day two. Slice it cold and fry the slices in a little oil until crisp on both sides.