Hearty Lentil Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 ribs celery (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cans (15-ounces each) lentils (brown or green, drained well) or 2½ cups of cooked lentils
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats)
• 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)