Vegan Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

1 cup water mixed with 1 cup of vegetable broth

1 cup green lentils, well rinsed

2 Tbsp olive or grape seed oil

1/2 medium white or yellow onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, diced

Sea salt and black pepper

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar

1-2 Tbsp vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce

1-2 tsp chili powder to taste

1 tsp ground cumin to taste

1 pinch smoked or regular paprika however this is optional

Cooking Directions

1. Add to a small saucepan, liquid (1 cup water, 1 cup vegetable broth) and rinsed lentils. Heat over medium-high heat bringing to a low boil. Reduce the heat and simmer. Cook uncovered for about 18 minutes, or until tender. The water should have a constant simmer. Drain off excess liquid and set aside.

2. Next in a large skillet, add oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Season with a pinch each salt and pepper and stir to combine.

3. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the peppers and onions are tender and slightly browned.

4. Next add tomato sauce, coconut sugar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika (optional). Stir to combine.

5. Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the skillet as well, and stir to combine.

6. Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until completely warmed through and thick, stirring occasionally - about 5-10 minutes.

7. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more chili powder and/or cumin for smokiness, salt for saltiness, coconut sugar for sweetness, or Worcestershire for depth of flavor.

8. Serve the mixture on toasted buns with sliced onion.