BBQ Meatless Loaf

I have experimented with many a meatless burger, loaf, meatball over the years and have not found many that stuck together well and had flavor. This recipe delivered on both counts. We used Trader Joe's Organic Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce on ours but you could use whatever Barbeque Sauce you like. We served it with a super simple side dish of roasted carrots that were topped with a bit of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil after they came out of the oven. This loaf was even good cold as a sandwich the next day!

BBQ Meatless Loaf
Serves 6

1 Tbs Oil

1 Onion, diced

2 Clove Garlic, finely chopped 

1 C Red Bell Pepper, diced

8 oz Crimini Mushrooms, diced

2 Cans Black Beans, drained

2 Tbs Chili Powder, salt free

2 tsp Smoked Paprika 

1 C Oatmeal

4 Tbs Trader Joes Sriracha and Roasted Garlic BBQ Sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large skillet over medium heat saute onion, garlic, red bell pepper and mushrooms in oil until soft. Stir in spices then mix in beans. Mix about half of the oatmeal and mash mixture with back of spoon or potato masher adding in oats until you get a doughy consistency that starts to stick together.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the loaf. Press bean mixture into pan and cover with BBQ Sauce.

Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove from pan, slice and enjoy!

Vegetable & Lentil Bolognese

There is an awesome recipe for lentil meatballs that we have been making for a while (and I linked it here) and I was actually planning on making tonight but things don't always work out as planned. The toddler has been in rare form today and there was no way I was pulling off the meatball recipe so I improvised. I can't give exact times for how long I sautéed everything because I was busy playing firefighter while making dinner. So embrace the craziness, crack open a bottle of red wine and make this recipe while saving the world. 

Vegetable and Lentil Bolognese

 Serves 8

1 C Lentils, Black or Green (red don't hold up well)

2 C Vegetable Broth 

1 Yellow Onion, finely diced

4 cloves Garlic, minced

8 oz Crimini Mushrooms, stems removed and diced

1 Zucchini, diced

1 C Red Wine, plus more for drinking!

1 Tbs Olive Oil 

2 tsp Oregano 

1 tsp Rosemary leaves 

1/5 tsp Thyme 

2 jars Pasta Sauce or 6 C homemade pasta sauce

Your preferred noodles for serving 

Cook lentils a few minutes less than package directions in vegetable broth to keep them firm. In a large skillet over medium low heat add olive oil and onion, cook until translucent. Add mushrooms and garlic continue cooking until onions begin to brown, then add zucchini. When zucchini is soft and onions are brown add spices, lentils and wine. Continue cooking until wine is absorbed. Add in jars of pasta sauce and serve over noodles. 
(This recipe freezes well so don't worry about making too much.)