Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 clove garlic
• 1 bell pepper
• 15 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1½ cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• ½ cup pickle slices (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, water or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more water or broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
7. Toast the hamburger buns if desired.
8. Spoon the lentil sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately, optionally topped with pickle slices.