Name: My Mom's Vegetable "Meatloaf" with Checca Sauce
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 scallions, white and pale green parts only, coarsely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 8 fresh basil leaves; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Vegetable oil cooking spray; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small white onion, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, shredded; 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced; 10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 4 cups); 1 (15-ounce) can cooked lentils, rinsed and drained; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 large egg white, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Lentil Bean and Vegetable

My Mom's Vegetable "Meatloaf" with Checca SauceAmy Neunsinger

My Mom, Veronica, is pretty much a vegetarian these days. When she invites us over for "meatloaf," this is what we get—and I like it a lot; in fact, even Todd does. The lentils and the brown rice make it hearty while at the same time kind of fluffy and light. My favorite part about it is the fresh tomato sauce, which is almost like a salsa. Checca is a Southern Italian term for this fresh sauce, which is called by different names in different regions. Some of it goes into the lentil loaf and the rest is served alongside.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

6 Ways to Make Meatloaf
That one back-pocket recipe you've got for meatloaf? It's just the beginning.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Recipe notes

6 Ways to Make Meatloaf