Lentil Veg Loaf with Mashed Potatoes in the Middle

I experimented with this veg loaf several times before coming up with a version that was worthy for my blog.  I am very particular about a veg loaf, especially one stuffed with mashed potatoes....Now, does any lentil loaf taste like old fashioned meatloaf? No, but they can be equally as tasty.  The consistency is usually softer so be sure and bake it long enough to get the crunchiness around all the edges.  You can use less veggies and it will still be awesome, I just really load it up and make it a filling dish, served with a side salad,  it is heaven.  And it freezes very well.

Dry Ingredients: Mix well and set aside.
1 cup quick oats uncooked
1 cup breadcrumbs (I used Italian flavor)
2 T Ground Flax Seed
2 T Vital Wheat Gluten
1 t salt
1 t pepper
1 t garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 t all purpose seasoning

Wet Ingredients:  In saucepan with just enough water to cover the top, combine the following and cook until tender, add more water as needed.  (about 20 min)
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 white onion diced
2 stalks celery diced
5-6 sm white mushrooms diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/3 large red pepper diced small
1 cup fresh baby spinach chopped
1/4 cup chopped finely zucchini (no peel)

Combine Wet Ingredients (after cooked) with dry ingredients and combine well, then add:
1 T Ketchup
1 T yellow Mustard
1 T BBQ Sauce
1 T Soy Sauce
1 T Sweet Pickle Relish
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4 large peeled Russet Potatoes diced
1/3 cup non dairy unsweetened milk
dash of garlic powder

Boil potatoes to tender.  Once potatoes are boiled to tender, hand mash them with the non dairy milk, salt, pepper, a sprinkle of the garlic, and set aside)  Now the fun part, time for assembly!   Put half of the lentil loaf mixture into a lightly oiled loaf pan,  (or line with parchment paper).  Add the mashed potato mixture to the center and spread not quite to the edges.  Add remaining loaf mixture right over the top of potatoes and spread out to edges.  I like to put some ketchup on the top mixed with a bit of maple syrup.  But you can top it with your own favorite bbq sauce or whatever.  Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, check then turn up heat to 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes until it looks a dark golden brown on the edges. Oven temps vary greatly so keep your eye on it after 25 min.   Enjoy!

*Walnuts are optional but add a real nice flavor to the loaf.

A couple of the more important ingredients in my opinion are the T of Vital Wheat Gluten and the T of Egg Replacement.  You will find this will keep your veg loaf from falling apart. 

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