Ingredients for - Healthy Sloppy Joes with Lentils

1. Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon
2. Onion, chopped 1 large
3. Carrot, peeled and chopped 1 large
4. Green bell pepper, chopped 1
5. Garlic, minced 3 cloves
6. Chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons
7. Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
8. Paprika 1 teaspoon
9. Onion Powder 1 teaspoon
10. Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
11. Freshly ground black pepper, or to taste ½ teaspoon
12. Tomato paste 4 tablespoons
13. Water 2 cups
14. No-salt-added diced tomatoes 1 (14.5 ounce) can
15. Red lentils, rinsed and drained 1 cup
16. Molasses, or more to taste 2 tablespoons
17. Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon
18. Prepared yellow mustard 1 teaspoon
19. Apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon
20. Kosher salt, or to taste ¾ teaspoon
21. Hamburger buns, split 6 medium

How to cook deliciously - Healthy Sloppy Joes with Lentils

1 . Stage

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.

2 . Stage

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.

3 . Stage

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.