Lentil Oat Loaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked lentils, slightly mashed (or a 19 oz can, drained)
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup rolled oats (quick or large flake)
3/4 cup grated old cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 - 2/3 cup tomato sauce (or spaghetti sauce or BBQ sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix lentils, onion, oats, and cheese in a large bowl and mix well.
Add the beaten egg and mix well.
Add about 1/2 c of sauce, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Add remaining sauce so long as the mixture will not be too sloppy.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and pour/scrape the lentil mixture into it. Even out the top surface with a spatula or fork.
Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes or until top is golden and crispy.
Let cool at least 5 minutes.
Turn out onto serving platter and garnish with parsley, if desired.
Variations:
Add chopped celery, different sauces, different cheeses (or no cheese!) or try more traditional poultry spices instead of the Italian ones. Serve with all the 'fixins: mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, and salad.