This recipe is packed with plant-based protein and flavor! It’s sweet, savory, super filling and it’s made in a slow cooker, making it a great choice for busy days. Lentils are an underutilized food in the American diet. They are inexpensive compared to other protein options; they are high in fiber, folate and B vitamins, along with being a good source of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. They add a great hearty texture to soups and stews, combine with ground meats well, and can be used in a variety of ways such loaves or patties in addition to stews and soups.
Tag: lentil
Lovely Lentil Loaf
February is Heart Health Month, and this is just the recipe to kick it off! This savory loaf is made from lentils and is packed with plant-based protein, fiber and many other vitamins and minerals.
Typically, a loaf would be made from ground beef and can be high in saturated fat, which has been shown to increase our total cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol has an important role in our bodies, but too much can build up in our arteries causing plaques to form. The buildup plaque causes our arteries to stiffen and narrow, restricting blood flow.
Even small adjustments like switching from an 80/20 ground beef to the leaner 90/10 or 95/5 is beneficial. However, with plant-based recipes, not only is there the benefit of little to no saturated fat, but there is also a ton of fiber. Fiber binds to excess cholesterol and removes from our bodies, helping us maintain a healthy balance. Lentils are also very high in iron, an important nutrient we often get from red meats. Iron is found in many plant-based foods, particularly lentils, beans, legumes and dark leafy greens.