1/2 cup (1/2 oz) dried mushrooms
1 pound (2 1/2 cups) red lentils
5 cups water
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
2 TBS olive oil
2 cups finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBS balsamic vinegar
1 cup Nature’s Path® Heritage Flakes or Heritage O's
1/4 cup minced parsley, plus a few whole leaves for garnish
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
Freshly ground black pepper

1. If mushrooms pieces are large, snip or break into tiny bits. If mushrooms feel sandy, rinse them.

2. Combine mushrooms, lentils, water, salt, and thyme in a large, heavy saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in Heritage O's. Add a little water if mixture seems dry. Cover and continue cooking until lentils are soft and Heritage O's have softened, about 5 minutes more.

3. While lentils are cooking, heat oil in a large skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. 

4. Stir in garlic and cook another minute. Stir in vinegar and cook just until it evaporates, about 20 seconds. Stir onion mixture, parsley, and 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes into lentils. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let cool for 15 minutes.

5. Line bottom and sides of standard loaf pan with a one large piece of plastic wrap. Arrange a few whole parsley leaves and remaining sun-dried tomatoes decoratively on bottom. Pour in lentil mixture and smooth off top. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill until firm, about 1 hour, or up to 5 days. (Flavor improves over time.)

6. Turn out onto a plate and gently peel off plastic wrap. Cut into 8 to 10 slices and serve cold with a green salad or steamed vegetable. Alternatively set whole loaf on a platter surrounded by wholegrain toast or crackers, and serve as a hors d'oeuvres.

Serves 8
At Nature’s Path we recommend you use organic ingredients whenever possible.