Healthy Sloppy Joes with Lentils
This version of Sloppy Joes ups the nutrition ante by swapping the meat for lentils, and adding in extra veggies. Adjust this recipe to how you prefer your Sloppy Joes--make them sweeter with additional molasses, spicier with additional chili powder, or tangier with additional mustard. Serve warm, with your favorite rolls or buns, and top with sliced red onion and fresh spinach or lettuce, if desired.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 1tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1large onion, chopped
- 1large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1green bell pepper, chopped
- 3cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1teaspoon ground cumin
- 1teaspoon paprika
- 1teaspoon onion powder
- 1teaspoon garlic powder
- ½teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 4tablespoons tomato paste
- 2cups water
- 1(14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2tablespoons molasses, or more to taste
- 1tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 6medium hamburger buns, split
Instructions
Step 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook and stir for 30 seconds. Mix in tomato paste, and cook another 60 seconds, stirring constantly.Step 2
Add water, diced tomatoes, and lentils, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until lentils are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.Step 3
Mix in molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and salt. Cook, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes, or until mixture has thickened slightly. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving on buns with desired toppings.