• 1/2 cup brown (green) lentils
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 3/4 cup bulgur (toasted cracked wheat) (for gluten-free version, use certified gf steel cut oats)
• 1 cup water, boiled
• 1/4 cup natural ketchup
• 1 cup rolled or quick oats (ensure gf certified for gluten-free)
• 3 tablespoons tamari (use wheat-free for wheat/gluten-free version)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons ground white chia (or can use flax meal)
• 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce (see note for gf version)
• 2 tablespoons tahini or sunflower seed butter
• 2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Topping
• 3 – 4 tablespoon natural ketchup
• 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional) OR 2 tsp vegan bbq sauce (optional)

1. Combine the lentils, vegetable stock, 1⁄3 cup of water, and bay leaf in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until just about tender. Once done, add the bulgur and boiling water, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for another 8 to 9 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil an oven-proof glass loaf pan and line the bottom of the pan with a strip of parchment paper to cover (place it in to protrude along the short ends of the pan; this helps for easier removal of the veggie loaf from the pan). Combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Once the bulgur is cooked, remove the bay leaf and add all the remaining ingredients (except topping). Stir very well. Transfer the mixture to prepared pan and pack it in. Spread the topping mixture over the top.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes or so, before cutting to slice and serve. Serves 5-6.

DMV notes:

Note–next time I will add onions and garlic.  Thought there was too much molasses and of course there was I misread and used 2 tbsp, I will use the correct amount nextime. I will use bulgar not groats as well.

Dreena’s Notes

Allergy-Free or Bust! Despite its not having any tofu, tempeh, or TVP, I cannot technically categorize this recipe as “soy free” because of the inclusion of tamari and vegan Worcestershire sauce. These are important seasonings in the loaf. That said, to replace the Worcestershire for a gluten-free version, use instead an extra 1⁄2 tablespoon of wheat-free tamari, along with an extra 1⁄2 teaspoon of molasses, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.

Savvy Subs and Adds: If you’d like to add some veggies to the loaf, try adding 1⁄2 cup of seeded and finely chopped green pepper, or 1⁄4 cup of finely chopped celery (stir into the mixture with the seasonings).

Serving Suggestions: Rosemary Gravy is excellent with this loaf, but this dish is equally delicious served with condiments as a burger of sorts: Pop slices of the loaf into pita or a folded tortilla, along with ketchup and vegan mayonnaise (or “Almonnaise”). (Susan’s note: Try it with my Impromptu Mushroom Dressing orTofu-Cashew Mayo.)