Lentil Sloppy Joes

I can't believe it's been over a week since I posted a recipe here. I anticipated posting many during our self isolation, but the days slip by one after another until it's been a week and then two... I also can't quite believe I haven't posted this particular recipe before now. It comes from Recipes from the Hood, a 2011 cookbook filled with recipes from moms in a local Etobicoke women's group - MINOES (Mothers in Need of Entertainment). These are perfect vegetarian sloppy joes. You won't even notice you're not eating ground beef!

Lentil Sloppy Joes

1 c uncooked green lentils
4 c water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 pepper, whatever colour you have, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
8 oz tomato sauce
1/4 c tomato paste
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
4-6 brioche buns*

Put lentils in pot with 4 c water, cover, and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until lentils are cooked. Drain and set aside.

Saute onion and pepper in oil until soft. Add garlic and saute for about one minute more. Add cooked lentils, chili powder, oregano, and salt, and mix. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste, stir, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Add maple syrup and mustard and heat through. Turn heat off and let sit for about 10 minutes, or more, until you're ready. Serve in brioche buns, ideally with the Il Buco kale salad on the side.


*This is what I like best, but any hamburger buns would do. You could also serve this on rice or potatoes if you wanted.