It's been two years since my last lentil loaf recipe. I thought this time I'd create something with a whole new flavor profile. I love this flavor combination and think it's a perfect fall/winter loaf or one you can rotate for variation all year long. All the flavors come through making every bite just as good as the last! A little sweetness from the apple, it's not overpowering at all. The fennel and sage are a perfect pairing of herbs. The walnuts give a little extra texture. I've kept the glaze super simple with just organic ketchup, apple cider vinegar and pure maple syrup. The glaze is tangy which is a nice contrast to the other flavors. Simple worked great here (at least I think so). I'd love to know what you think! I've adapted this new lentil loaf from my other one, The Ultimate Vegetable Lentil Loaf, which was a big hit, it's a great all-around loaf and I hope you all find this new one just as delicious!

A note on the fennel seeds. In case you're wondering what to do with your fennel seeds, I've used them in a few recipes like this Cannellini Bean & Fennel Flatbread, Mushroom and Buckwheat Soup and the Rustic Cabbage, Potato & White Bean Soup. If they are new to your pantry, you can purchase them knowing you can use them in other recipes. I love the flavor they give in each of these recipes!

Cook lentils: In a dutch oven or large pot, add vegetable broth and lentils, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 40 - 45 minutes, most to all liquid should be absorbed. Lentils should be overcooked and tender. Set aside to cool, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Mash lentils with the back of a spoon or fork, or roughly puree using an immersion blender or food processor, about 2/3 - 3/4 of the lentil mixture.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Toast walnuts: Spread walnuts on a small rimmed baking pan, place in oven and toast until they are fragrant, about 10 -15 minutes. Set aside to cool..

Prepare vegetables and apple: Heat oil in a medium size pan over medium heat, add onion, celery and carrot, saute for about 5 minutes. Add apple, fennel, sage salt & pepper, heat for another 3 - 4 minutes.

Combine everything: Add the sauteed mixture with the lentils and mix. Add flour, oats, walnuts and 1/2 cup apple sauce, mix well to combine. If mixture seems to dry, add a little more apple sauce, mix again. Taste for seasoning adding extra herbs, salt and pepper as needed. 

Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper, (this will make for easy removal later), add mixture and press down gently but firmly filling in along the edges as well. 

Make glaze: In small bowl, mix together the glaze and spread over top lentil loaf as evenly as you can. Here you can even add a fresh sage leaf in the center of the loaf, it won't burn, it may roll a bit on the edges, and will add a nice decoration (the sage leaf I have shown was fresh). 

Bake: Place loaf in oven, on middle rack, and bake for 45 - 50 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool 10 minutes, remove from pan using the edges of the parchment paper. You may like to mix a bit more sauce and spread over top. Place loaf on serving dish, cut and serve individual slices.

Serving suggestions: Serve with roasted or mashed potatoes, or potato & cauliflower mash, a side of green beans or any combo of roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, butternut squash and beets. A simple fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great side! Left overs make for great sandwiches!

Makes 8 slices. 

If you don't use a good vegetable broth while cooking the lentils, I recommend add in 1/2 teaspoon of onion and garlic powder, along with a big pinch of salt. The lentils are the base of the recipe and should have good flavor.

If mixture is too wet, add a tad more flour or oats/bread crumbs. If mixture is too dry, add a tad more apple sauce.

I've used both oats and bread crumbs. Both were great. I didn't notice that the oat flavor came through at all (or maybe I'm just adapted to them).

I don't recommend reheating the entire loaf at once. It will most likely become too dry, as the heat will take to long to reach the center. I recommend cutting slices and reheating, this way. If you need, you can make your lentil loaf the day before and store uncooked until ready to heat, bring to room temperature if possible, and heat according to instructions above.

If you love fennel and sage, by all means add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of each! Or an extra tablespoon of fresh minced sage.