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lentil sloppy joes

Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 (15 oz) cans brown lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan if desired)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 4 to 6 soft burger buns, toasted

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, stirring for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the drained lentils, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Simmer uncovered on medium-low for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in the vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Pile onto toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

If you cook lentils from dry, the total time will be closer to 45 minutes, but the flavor is just as good. The sauce thickens as it rests, so if the mixture seems loose after simmering, let it sit for a minute or two before spooning onto the buns. Nutrition information is for lentil mixture only, not including buns.