Veggie Garden Loaf

Submitted by Lynn

(vegan alternatives listed)  You can really play around with this recipe, I've added more of certain ingredients like onion and even doubled the recipe and made 2 loaves , it came out fine.
Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 1/2 C chopped onions & mushrooms
• 1/2 C grated raw zucchini ( any squash will do)
• 1 C sliced steamed carrots
• 1 C steamed broccoli flowerettes
• 3/4 C uncooked oats
• 1 slice of whole wheat bread crumbled or a handful of breadcrumbs
• 3 TBS ground flax
• 3 oz. or 3/4 C shredded cheddar or almond cheese
• 6 TBS parmesan (omit if vegan)
• 1/2 C tomato sauce or pasta sauce
• 1 egg or flax egg (1 TBS ground flax & 3 TBS water, let sit for a min)
• sea salt, pepper, sage, thyme and parsley to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. In a small skillet heat olive oil and sauté onion and mushroom about 5 min.
2. In a large bowl combine zucchini, carrots, broccoli, oatmeal, bread (or breadcrumbs), and cheese.
3. In a small bowl beat together tomato sauce, egg (or flax egg), seasonings and parmesan (if you wish)
4. Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly to mix
5. Turn mixture into a greased or sprayed 9x5 inch loaf pan 
6. Bake 30-35 minutes or until firm. Let stand before slicing