Hearty Lentil-Oat "Bites" USDA Recipe for Child Centers

Serving Size: 25-50
These vegetarian lentil-oat “bites” are blended with Italian spices and baked to perfection. Served with whole grain pasta and drizzle with a red pasta sauce for a hearty, flavorful meal.
CACFP Crediting Information:
Beans, peas, lentils as a Meat/Meat Alternate: 2 bites provide 2 oz eq meat/meat alternate, ¼ cup vegetable.
Beans, peas, lentils as Vegetables: 2 bites provide ¾ cup vegetable.
Source:
USDA Standardized Recipe Project — 2025
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

25 Servings

    Weight

    • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
    • - - Water
    • - - Bay leaf
    • 2 oz Oil, olive
    • 1 oz Onion, dried
    • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
    • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
    • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
    • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
    • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
    • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
    • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
    • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
    • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
    • - - Pan-release spray
    • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
    • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
    • - - Sugar
    • - - Salt
    • - - Pepper, black, ground

    Measure

    • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
    • 1 qt 2 cups Water
    • 4 leaves Bay leaf
    • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
    • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
    • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
    • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
    • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
    • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
    • 1 spray Pan-release spray
    • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
    • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
    • 1 Tbsp Sugar
    • 1 Tbsp Salt
    • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

    50 Servings

      Weight

      • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
      • - - Water
      • - - Bay leaf
      • 4 oz Oil, olive
      • 2 oz Onion, dried
      • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
      • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
      • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
      • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
      • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
      • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
      • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
      • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
      • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
      • - - Pan-release spray
      • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
      • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
      • - - Sugar
      • - - Salt
      • - - Pepper, black, ground

      Measure

      • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
      • 3 qts Water
      • 8 leaves Bay leaf
      • ½ cup Oil, olive
      • ½ cup Onion, dried
      • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
      • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
      • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
      • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
      • 1 spray Pan-release spray
      • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
      • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
      • 2 Tbsp Sugar
      • 2 Tbsp Salt
      • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

      Quantity
       

      25 Servings

        Weight

        • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
        • - - Water
        • - - Bay leaf
        • 2 oz Oil, olive
        • 1 oz Onion, dried
        • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
        • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
        • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
        • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
        • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
        • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
        • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
        • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
        • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
        • - - Pan-release spray
        • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
        • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
        • - - Sugar
        • - - Salt
        • - - Pepper, black, ground

        Measure

        • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
        • 1 qt 2 cups Water
        • 4 leaves Bay leaf
        • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
        • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
        • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
        • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
        • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
        • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
        • 1 spray Pan-release spray
        • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
        • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
        • 1 Tbsp Sugar
        • 1 Tbsp Salt
        • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

        50 Servings

          Weight

          • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
          • - - Water
          • - - Bay leaf
          • 4 oz Oil, olive
          • 2 oz Onion, dried
          • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
          • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
          • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
          • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
          • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
          • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
          • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
          • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
          • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
          • - - Pan-release spray
          • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
          • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
          • - - Sugar
          • - - Salt
          • - - Pepper, black, ground

          Measure

          • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
          • 3 qts Water
          • 8 leaves Bay leaf
          • ½ cup Oil, olive
          • ½ cup Onion, dried
          • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
          • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
          • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
          • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
          • 1 spray Pan-release spray
          • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
          • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
          • 2 Tbsp Sugar
          • 2 Tbsp Salt
          • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

          Ingredients
           

          25 Servings

            Weight

            • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
            • - - Water
            • - - Bay leaf
            • 2 oz Oil, olive
            • 1 oz Onion, dried
            • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
            • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
            • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
            • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
            • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
            • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
            • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
            • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
            • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
            • - - Pan-release spray
            • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
            • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
            • - - Sugar
            • - - Salt
            • - - Pepper, black, ground

            Measure

            • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
            • 1 qt 2 cups Water
            • 4 leaves Bay leaf
            • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
            • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
            • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
            • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
            • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
            • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
            • 1 spray Pan-release spray
            • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
            • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
            • 1 Tbsp Sugar
            • 1 Tbsp Salt
            • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

            50 Servings

              Weight

              • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
              • - - Water
              • - - Bay leaf
              • 4 oz Oil, olive
              • 2 oz Onion, dried
              • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
              • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
              • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
              • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
              • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
              • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
              • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
              • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
              • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
              • - - Pan-release spray
              • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
              • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
              • - - Sugar
              • - - Salt
              • - - Pepper, black, ground

              Measure

              • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
              • 3 qts Water
              • 8 leaves Bay leaf
              • ½ cup Oil, olive
              • ½ cup Onion, dried
              • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
              • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
              • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
              • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
              • 1 spray Pan-release spray
              • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
              • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
              • 2 Tbsp Sugar
              • 2 Tbsp Salt
              • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

              Quantity
               

              25 Servings

                Weight

                • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                • - - Water
                • - - Bay leaf
                • 2 oz Oil, olive
                • 1 oz Onion, dried
                • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                • - - Pan-release spray
                • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                • - - Sugar
                • - - Salt
                • - - Pepper, black, ground

                Measure

                • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                • 1 Tbsp Salt
                • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                50 Servings

                  Weight

                  • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                  • - - Water
                  • - - Bay leaf
                  • 4 oz Oil, olive
                  • 2 oz Onion, dried
                  • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                  • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                  • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                  • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                  • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                  • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                  • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                  • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                  • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                  • - - Pan-release spray
                  • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                  • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                  • - - Sugar
                  • - - Salt
                  • - - Pepper, black, ground

                  Measure

                  • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                  • 3 qts Water
                  • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                  • ½ cup Oil, olive
                  • ½ cup Onion, dried
                  • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                  • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                  • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                  • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                  • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                  • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                  • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                  • 2 Tbsp Salt
                  • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground
                  *See Marketing Guide

                  Ingredients
                   

                  25 Servings

                    Weight

                    • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                    • - - Water
                    • - - Bay leaf
                    • 2 oz Oil, olive
                    • 1 oz Onion, dried
                    • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                    • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                    • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                    • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                    • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                    • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                    • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                    • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                    • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                    • - - Pan-release spray
                    • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                    • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                    • - - Sugar
                    • - - Salt
                    • - - Pepper, black, ground

                    Measure

                    • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                    • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                    • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                    • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                    • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                    • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                    • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                    • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                    • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                    • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                    • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                    • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                    • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                    • 1 Tbsp Salt
                    • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                    50 Servings

                      Weight

                      • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                      • - - Water
                      • - - Bay leaf
                      • 4 oz Oil, olive
                      • 2 oz Onion, dried
                      • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                      • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                      • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                      • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                      • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                      • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                      • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                      • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                      • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                      • - - Pan-release spray
                      • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                      • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                      • - - Sugar
                      • - - Salt
                      • - - Pepper, black, ground

                      Measure

                      • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                      • 3 qts Water
                      • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                      • ½ cup Oil, olive
                      • ½ cup Onion, dried
                      • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                      • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                      • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                      • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                      • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                      • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                      • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                      • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                      • 2 Tbsp Salt
                      • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

                      Quantity
                       

                      25 Servings

                        Weight

                        • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                        • - - Water
                        • - - Bay leaf
                        • 2 oz Oil, olive
                        • 1 oz Onion, dried
                        • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                        • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                        • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                        • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                        • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                        • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                        • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                        • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                        • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                        • - - Pan-release spray
                        • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                        • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                        • - - Sugar
                        • - - Salt
                        • - - Pepper, black, ground

                        Measure

                        • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                        • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                        • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                        • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                        • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                        • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                        • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                        • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                        • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                        • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                        • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                        • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                        • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                        • 1 Tbsp Salt
                        • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                        50 Servings

                          Weight

                          • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                          • - - Water
                          • - - Bay leaf
                          • 4 oz Oil, olive
                          • 2 oz Onion, dried
                          • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                          • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                          • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                          • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                          • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                          • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                          • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                          • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                          • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                          • - - Pan-release spray
                          • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                          • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                          • - - Sugar
                          • - - Salt
                          • - - Pepper, black, ground

                          Measure

                          • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                          • 3 qts Water
                          • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                          • ½ cup Oil, olive
                          • ½ cup Onion, dried
                          • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                          • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                          • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                          • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                          • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                          • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                          • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                          • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                          • 2 Tbsp Salt
                          • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground
                          *See Marketing Guide

                          Ingredients
                           

                          25 Servings

                            Weight

                            • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                            • - - Water
                            • - - Bay leaf
                            • 2 oz Oil, olive
                            • 1 oz Onion, dried
                            • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                            • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                            • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                            • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                            • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                            • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                            • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                            • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                            • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                            • - - Pan-release spray
                            • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                            • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                            • - - Sugar
                            • - - Salt
                            • - - Pepper, black, ground

                            Measure

                            • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                            • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                            • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                            • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                            • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                            • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                            • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                            • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                            • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                            • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                            • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                            • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                            • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                            • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                            • 1 Tbsp Salt
                            • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                            50 Servings

                              Weight

                              • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                              • - - Water
                              • - - Bay leaf
                              • 4 oz Oil, olive
                              • 2 oz Onion, dried
                              • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                              • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                              • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                              • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                              • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                              • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                              • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                              • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                              • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                              • - - Pan-release spray
                              • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                              • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                              • - - Sugar
                              • - - Salt
                              • - - Pepper, black, ground

                              Measure

                              • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                              • 3 qts Water
                              • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                              • ½ cup Oil, olive
                              • ½ cup Onion, dried
                              • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                              • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                              • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                              • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                              • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                              • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                              • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                              • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                              • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                              • 2 Tbsp Salt
                              • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

                              Quantity
                               

                              25 Servings

                                Weight

                                • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                • - - Water
                                • - - Bay leaf
                                • 2 oz Oil, olive
                                • 1 oz Onion, dried
                                • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                                • - - Pan-release spray
                                • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                • - - Sugar
                                • - - Salt
                                • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                Measure

                                • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                                • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                                • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                                • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                                • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                                • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                                • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                                • 1 Tbsp Salt
                                • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                                50 Servings

                                  Weight

                                  • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                  • - - Water
                                  • - - Bay leaf
                                  • 4 oz Oil, olive
                                  • 2 oz Onion, dried
                                  • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                  • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                  • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                  • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                  • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                  • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                  • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                  • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                  • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                                  • - - Pan-release spray
                                  • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                  • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                  • - - Sugar
                                  • - - Salt
                                  • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                  Measure

                                  • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                                  • 3 qts Water
                                  • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                                  • ½ cup Oil, olive
                                  • ½ cup Onion, dried
                                  • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                  • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                  • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                  • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                  • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                                  • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                  • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                  • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                                  • 2 Tbsp Salt
                                  • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground
                                  *See Marketing Guide

                                  Ingredients
                                   

                                  25 Servings

                                    Weight

                                    • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                    • - - Water
                                    • - - Bay leaf
                                    • 2 oz Oil, olive
                                    • 1 oz Onion, dried
                                    • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                    • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                    • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                    • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                    • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                    • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                    • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                    • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                    • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                                    • - - Pan-release spray
                                    • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                    • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                    • - - Sugar
                                    • - - Salt
                                    • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                    Measure

                                    • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                                    • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                                    • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                                    • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                                    • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                                    • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                    • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                    • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                    • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                    • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                                    • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                    • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                    • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                    • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                                    • 1 Tbsp Salt
                                    • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                                    50 Servings

                                      Weight

                                      • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                      • - - Water
                                      • - - Bay leaf
                                      • 4 oz Oil, olive
                                      • 2 oz Onion, dried
                                      • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                      • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                      • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                      • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                      • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                      • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                      • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                      • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                      • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                                      • - - Pan-release spray
                                      • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                      • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                      • - - Sugar
                                      • - - Salt
                                      • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                      Measure

                                      • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                                      • 3 qts Water
                                      • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                                      • ½ cup Oil, olive
                                      • ½ cup Onion, dried
                                      • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                      • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                      • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                      • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                      • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                                      • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                      • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                      • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                      • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                                      • 2 Tbsp Salt
                                      • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground

                                      Quantity
                                       

                                      25 Servings

                                        Weight

                                        • 2 lbs 2 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                        • - - Water
                                        • - - Bay leaf
                                        • 2 oz Oil, olive
                                        • 1 oz Onion, dried
                                        • 2 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                        • 1 lb 4 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                        • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                        • ¼ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                        • ¼ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                        • ¼ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                        • 2 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                        • ¾ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                        • ¾ oz Cumin, ground
                                        • - - Pan-release spray
                                        • 4 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                        • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                        • - - Sugar
                                        • - - Salt
                                        • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                        Measure

                                        • 1 qt 1 cup Lentils, brown, dry
                                        • 1 qt 2 cups Water
                                        • 4 leaves Bay leaf
                                        • 4 Tbsp Oil, olive
                                        • 4 Tbsp Onion, dried
                                        • ¼ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                        • 1 qt 1 ½ cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                        • ½ cup + 1 ½ cup water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                        • 4 Tbsp Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                        • 2 Tbsp 2 tsp Cumin, ground
                                        • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                        • 2 qts Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                        • 1 qt 1 cup Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                        • 1 Tbsp Sugar
                                        • 1 Tbsp Salt
                                        • 1 Tbsp Pepper, black, ground

                                        50 Servings

                                          Weight

                                          • 4 lbs 4 oz Lentils, brown, dry
                                          • - - Water
                                          • - - Bay leaf
                                          • 4 oz Oil, olive
                                          • 2 oz Onion, dried
                                          • 4 oz Garlic, minced, fresh
                                          • 2 lbs 8 oz Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                          • - - Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                          • ½ oz Oregano, dried, divided
                                          • ½ oz Basil, dried, divided
                                          • ½ oz Thyme, dried, divided
                                          • 4 oz Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                          • 1 ½ oz Paprika, smoked, divided
                                          • 1 ½ cup Cumin, ground
                                          • - - Pan-release spray
                                          • 8 lbs Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                          • - - Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                          • - - Sugar
                                          • - - Salt
                                          • - - Pepper, black, ground

                                          Measure

                                          • 2 qts 2 cups Lentils, brown, dry
                                          • 3 qts Water
                                          • 8 leaves Bay leaf
                                          • ½ cup Oil, olive
                                          • ½ cup Onion, dried
                                          • ½ cup Garlic, minced, fresh
                                          • 2 qts 3 cups Oats, rolled, quick, dry
                                          • 1 cup + 3 cups water Flax seed meal, soaked in 1 ½ cups water
                                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Oregano, dried, divided
                                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Basil, dried, divided
                                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Thyme, dried, divided
                                          • ½ cup Tomato paste, canned, low-sodium
                                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Paprika, smoked, divided
                                          • 5 Tbsp 1 tsp Cumin, ground
                                          • 1 spray Pan-release spray
                                          • 1 gal Tomatoes, canned, crushed, no-salt
                                          • 2 qts 2 cups Vegetable broth, low-sodium
                                          • 2 Tbsp Sugar
                                          • 2 Tbsp Salt
                                          • 2 tsp Pepper, black, ground
                                          *See Marketing Guide

                                          Instructions
                                           

                                          • Preheat oven:
                                            Conventional oven: 375 °F.
                                            Convection oven: 350 °F.
                                          • Place the lentils, 6 cups of water, and bay leaves in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the lentils cook about 20 minutes (or until tender) and water has evaporated. Remove from heat remove bay leaves, drain, and refrigerate until chilled. Save for step 4.
                                            For 25 servings, use 1 qt 2 cups of water.
                                            For 50 servings, use 3 qts of water.
                                            Critical Control Point:
                                            Cool to 41°F or below.
                                          • In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add dried onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes or until light golden brown.
                                          • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled lentils, garlic mixture, rolled oats, soaked flax seed meal, 4 tsp each of oregano, basil, thyme; tomato paste, smoked paprika and cumin.
                                          • Combine flax seed meal and water, soak for 5 minutes.
                                          • Massage by hand vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated, or pulse in a food processor until mixture is moderately smooth. About 30% of the lentils should appear intact.
                                          • Using a 2 oz scooper, scoop mixture and place on a full sheet pan (18" x 26" x 1") lined with parchment paper sprayed with a pan release spray. Place lentil balls in a hot oven and bake until browned and slightly firm for 40 minutes.
                                            For 25 servings, 1 sheet pan.
                                            For 50 servings, 2 sheet pans.
                                            Critical Control Point:
                                            Heat to 135 °F or higher.
                                            Hold for hot service at 135 °F or higher.
                                          • In a large pot, combine crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, remaining oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring sauce to a boil for 1 minute over medium-high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
                                            Critical Control Point:
                                            Heat to 135 °F or higher.
                                            Hold for hot service at 135 °F or higher.
                                          • Serve 2 "bites", and top the bites with sauce using a 4 oz spoodle. Serve hot.

                                          Nutrition INFORMATION

                                          Hearty Lentil-Oat "Bites" USDA Recipe for Child Centers
                                          Amount Per Serving
                                           
                                          2 bites and ½ cup sauce (4 oz spoodle)
                                          Calories
                                          280
                                          Total Fat
                                           
                                          5
                                          g
                                          8
                                          %
                                          Saturated Fat
                                           
                                          1
                                          g
                                          6
                                          %
                                          Cholesterol
                                           
                                          0
                                          mg
                                          0
                                          %
                                          Sodium
                                           
                                          473
                                          mg
                                          21
                                          %
                                          Total Carbohydrate
                                           
                                          47
                                          g
                                          16
                                          %
                                          Dietary Fiber
                                           
                                          8
                                          g
                                          33
                                          %
                                          Total Sugars
                                           
                                          4
                                          g
                                          4
                                          %
                                          Added Sugars included
                                           
                                          1
                                          g
                                          Protein
                                           
                                          14
                                          g
                                          28
                                          %
                                          Vitamin A
                                           
                                          0
                                          mcg RAE
                                          Vitamin C
                                           
                                          3
                                          mg
                                          4
                                          %
                                          Calcium
                                           
                                          64
                                          mg
                                          6
                                          %
                                          Iron
                                           
                                          5
                                          mg
                                          28
                                          %
                                          N/A=data not available
                                          *Marketing Guide

                                          Notes

                                          The food safety temperatures are based on the FDA Food Code. Some information included may be different in your state. Always check with your local regulatory authority (health department) or sponsoring organization (sponsor) for guidance on current food safety requirements in your operation.
                                          Cooking Process #2: Same Day Service.
                                          Yield / Volume
                                          25 Servings:
                                          About 50 bites
                                          7 lbs 4 oz mixture
                                          50 Servings:
                                          About 100 bites
                                          14 lbs 8 oz mixture