This is basically a "clean the fridge of all vegetables near death" meal.  :)

I really hate wasting veggies, but time gets away, and you realize they are still sitting in that bottom drawer!

This turned out to be a great way to use those veggies that maybe aren't as fresh as when you first bought them.

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Veggie Meatloaf with Chunky Tomato Basil Sauce

Print this recipe!

Adapted from here

Chunky Tomato Basil Sauce:

10 ounces cherry tomatoes

2 scallion, chopped coarsely

2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

In a food processor, place the tomatoes, scallions, garlic, basil, and olive oil.

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Pulse to process the ingredients.  You want the sauce to be slightly chunky, not totally smooth.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside.

Veggie Meatloaf:

3/4 cup dry lentils

1 cup dry quinoa

1/2 large onion, chopped

1/2 cup carrots, shredded (about 1-2 carrots, depending on size)

1 zucchini, shredded

1 clove garlic, minced

2 cups kale, cut in bite sized pieces

3/4 cup of the chunky tomato basil sauce (recipe above)

1 cup shredded cheese (I used gouda because that is what I had on hand)

1/4 cup basil, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

First, start the lentils to cook.  In a saucepan, pour in the lentils and1/4 tsp salt, and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and cook about 20-30 minutes.

In a separate saucepan, pour in the dry quinoa, 1/4 tsp salt, and add 2 cups water.  Cook the quinoa 20-30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Once the quinoa has absorbed all the water, add the veggies:  onion,carrots, zucchini, garlic, and kale.  Stir well, and let veggies cook 10 minutes.  Drain the lentils, and add to the quinoa mixture. Add in the tomato sauce, shredded cheese, basil, and salt/pepper.  Stir well.

Prepare a loaf pan by greasing well.  Spoon in the meatloaf.  Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes.  Everything is basically cooked, you just want it to all come together, and get slightly browned and crispy on the top.

Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes.  Remove from pan, slice and serve.

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With extra sauce!

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You can use the rest of the tomato sauce on the side, or how about some pizza?

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Have a great day!