LENTIL SLOPPY JOES RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute until the onions are translucent and the pepper is tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and green chiles and cook about 1 more minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Dijon, brown sugar, Worcestershire, chili powder, vinegar, celery seed, black pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup water. Mix well, then add the lentils. Reduce the heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
• Butter both sides of the hamburger buns. Toast on a hot cast-iron griddle or skillet until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Serve sloppy joes on toasted buns, topped with sliced avocado and pickles on the side.

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper and 2 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add the lentils, oregano and 4 cups water; bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the lentils are tender and the water is absorbed, 35 to 40 minutes (add up to 1 more cup water if necessary). Season with salt and pepper. 
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 6 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring, until combined. Add the lentil mixture and 1 cup water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 
• Fill the buns with the cheese and lentil mixture. Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapenos.