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Looking for ideas for a tasty and crowd-pleasing vegetarian or vegan main course for holiday entertaining? Consider making our Celebration Lentil Loaf. This nourishing plant-based loaf features lentils and bulgur for texture and heartiness. Mushrooms and onions make a flavorful base and apple cider gives a subtle boost of tangy sweetness. Bell pepper and parsley contribute color and fresh flavor. All that wholesome goodness in a single loaf and it’s easy to make, too! You’ll need a food processor for chopping the cooked veggies and a loaf pan for baking the loaf. This recipe has three basic steps:

1. Cook the lentils and bulgur. Bulgur cooks much more quickly than lentils, so these are cooked separately to control the cooking of both.
2. Cook mushrooms and onions with seasoning, then transfer this mixture to a food processor to finely chop it (or chop by hand if you don’t have a food processor).
3. Combine the chopped cooked vegetables with cooked lentils and bulgur, oats, bell pepper and fresh parsley. Pack the mixture into a loaf pan and bake until the edges start to brown. Serve with Vegan Mushroom Gravy—you can make your own or use a prepared option— if you like.

You’ll find the complete recipe, including specific measurements, on the Celebration Lentil Loaf recipe page. Got leftover lentil loaf? Lucky you! Try leftovers in a sandwich or a wrap, or crumble a slice over wilted greens or a salad. What are some of your favorite vegan and vegetarian main dishes for entertaining?