Lentil Sloppy Joes

This vegetarian version of Sloppy Joes has all the spice and flavor of the original. I like to serve it on homemade Buttermilk Burger Buns. (Recipe for the buns is coming soon!)

Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1/2 c green onion, chopped
• 1/2 c red/orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 c cooked lentils, drained
• 1/4 c water or lentil cooking liquid
• 1/3 c ketchup
• 1 Tbsp molasses
• 1 Tbsp honey, agave nectar or corn syrup
• 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
• 6 medium burger buns

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 6 cup baking dish.
2. In a 6-8 cup saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Saute about 4 minutes.
4. Add lentils, water, ketchup, molasses, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Stir and bring to heat. Remove from flame.
5. Pour lentil mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until thick and bubbly.
6. Split burger buns and fill each with 1/6 of the lentil mixture. Serve hot.