Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
1 cup green lentils
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
1 green pepper, diced small
2 small carrots, diced small
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mild chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper, to taste
Buns, for serving
Sliced red onion, for serving
Pickles, for serving
Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils well and add them to a pot along with 4 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and continue simmering over low heat until lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain lentils and set aside.
Make the sloppy joe filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, carrots, and garlic. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables soften, 5-6 minutes. Stir in spices, ketchup, tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and the reserved lentils. Stir well.
