Lentil Sloppy Joes

A meatless sandwich with a thick, tangy tomato filling, tender lentils, and crisp vegetables piled into toasted buns.

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 25 min · Yield: 4 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked brown lentils
• 4 sandwich buns
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. (about 7 min) — Medium heat
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. (about 3 min) — Medium heat
3. Fold in the cooked lentils. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the filling is thick enough to mound on a spoon, 12 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt or vinegar if needed. (about 15 min) — Medium-low heat
4. Toast the sandwich buns in a dry skillet, cut side down, for 1 to 2 minutes if desired. Spoon the hot lentil filling onto the buns and serve immediately. (about 2 min) — Medium heat