Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

  • ½ butter ½ oil (sufficient amount for sautéing)
  • 1 lb. green/brown lentils (1 bag)
  • 1 Medium Sweet Onion, Diced
  • 1 Large Red Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1-1/2 cups Ketchup
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder (more to taste, usually an extra 1 tsp.)
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (full tsp. or more for extra spicy)
  • Worcestershire Sauce, to taste (about 1 tsp.)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain lentils. Cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Add butter and oil to a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onions, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add cooked lentils and stir to combine.
  4. Add water, ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, crushed red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 minutes (or until desired sloppiness).
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.