Sloppy Joe Lentils

I was really craving some good ol' Sloppy Joes last night, but did not want to go to the store to get ground beef. Hmm what to do, what to do? I knew I had some lentils in the pantry, and they are always my go to "meat substitute" in dishes because they are so high in protein. After doing a couple quick Google searches, I discovered that Lentil Sloppy Joes are actually a really popular item in the vegetarian/vegan world. There are like a bajillion recipes. I used some bits and pieces of others' ideas online to create my own concoction. It wasn't exactly Manwich, but it sure was delicious and incredibly flavorful. I also didn't haven't buns (fail) but served it over rice with super easy roasted green beans.

Sloppy Joe Lentils & Roasted Green Beans Recipe:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp ground mustard powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• dash of cinnamon
• salt, black pepper

• 1/2 lb green beans, washed, trimmed and dried well
• olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Asiago cheese

Combine the lentils and 3 cups of water, bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils are just tender. Do not overcook.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Heat oil over medium low heat. Saute onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and saute for a couple minutes. Add all of the remaining ingredients (except green beans and last seasonings), mix very well and cook together for a couple minutes. Add your drained lentils, reduce heat, cover and simmer on low. Depending on how sloppy you want it, add more or less liquid. 

Meanwhile, toss your green beans in a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and grated cheese. Spread evenly on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Give the pan a shake to turn the green beans and cook an additional 5 minutes. 

When ready to eat, serve Sloppy Joe lentils over rice with your delicious roasted vegetables!

Not a beautiful dish, but a tasty one.