Katherine grew up eating her mother’s homemade meatloaf with ketchup smeared on top. Fast forward to becoming a vegetarian as an adult, and it was Nana Elinor who made this vegetarian version that captures the same delicious taste and childhood nostalgia.

STEP ONE – Preparations

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Lightly spray an 8×4-inch glass loaf pan with canola spray.
3. Get out a small pot, a colander, and a food processor.
4. Get out a small bowl and a serving platter.

STEP TWO – Make the Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked lentils
1 small peeled and chopped
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup homemade barbecue sauce (recipe below)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt 
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Fill the small pot with 2 cups of water, add a shake of salt, and bring to a boil.
2. Add the lentils and simmer covered for 30 minutes. You can move on to the next step while you’re waiting.
3. Drain the lentils in the colander and pulse in the food processor with the onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheeses, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined

STEP THREE – Make the Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions:

1. In the small bowl, combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

STEP FOUR – Bake the Meatloaf

1. Press the mixture into the pan and cover with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and spread the remaining barbecue sauce across the top.
4. Bake for another 15 minutes.
5. Invert the meatloaf onto the serving platter.
6. Serve hot.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of recipe)

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 protein