Lentil Sloppy Joes

If you are looking for a meatless version of sloppy joes, boy do I have one for you!  This recipe uses lentils as the base and it will make you wonder why you ever thought you needed ground beef for sloppy joes.  Seriously.  Just try it.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 large red onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic paste

1 c. green lentils

2 c. water

1 1/4 c. crushed tomatoes

1/2 c. ketchup

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. molasses

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. ground dry mustard

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

salt & pepper

Ingredients

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat on medium-high heat.

Add onions, garlic, and saute for a minute or two.

Add lentils and cook another minute or two.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add water and bring to a simmer.

Cover and cook 10-15 minutes, or until lentils are getting tender.

Add crushed tomatoes, ketchup, and remaining ingredients.

Stir and taste, adding more seasonings, if needed.

Simmer, stirring often, another 10-15 minutes, or until lentils are cooked through and sauce is thickened.
(Be sure not to cook too long, they will get mushy.)

Serve on your favorite hamburger buns.

Use your discretion on the cayenne pepper.  This is how Tony and I make ours, but if you want to turn up the spice level (or tone it down), adjust accordingly. :)