Emeril's Lentil Loaf with Mixed Greens, Pink Lady Apples and Cranberry Vinaigrette

YIELD 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

For the Lentil Loaf:
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups firm-cooked lentils
1 cup cooked wild rice or brown rice*
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or currants
1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon chopped basil
1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon chopped oregano
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons milk
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed baby greens
1 Pink Lady Apple, finely julienned
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons cranberry juice
2 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION:

For the Lentil Loaf:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a large sauté pan over medium high heat add the grapeseed oil; when hot, add the onion and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the bell pepper and celery; cook, covered, for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl combine the sautéed vegetables with the walnuts, lentils, rice, cranberries, breadcrumbs, basil, thyme, oregano, eggs, flour and milk. Season with salt and pepper, mix well and then spoon into the loaf pan. Bake until firm, about 45 minutes. Slice and serve with Mixed Greens with Pink Lady Apples and Cranberry Vinaigrette.

For the salad:

  1. In a large serving bowl, combine the baby greens with the apple. In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice, dried cranberries, and Dijon mustard. While whisking, add the grapeseed oil in a thin, steady stream until completely incorporated and emulsified. Whisk in the salt and pepper. Toss the mixed greens with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.

    Editor's Note: Look for organic, locally-grown vegetables, or try growing your own.

  2. Learn more about sustainable food choices with our Eat Green Guide.

  3. This recipe was featured in the Vexing Vegetarian Episode of Emeril Green.

This recipe appears in: Vegetarian