Melissa's Vegan Sloppy Joes

Melissa’s Vegan Sloppy  Joes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

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Ingredients (8 servings)

• 3 1/3 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp  paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 ½ cups dried brown lentils
• 1 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
• freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Place 1/3 cup of the water (can use low sodium vegetable broth instead) in a large pot. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until onions soften slightly, about 5 minutes, add garlic and cook until fragrant; about another 30 seconds.
• Add the chili powder thru oregano and mix in well. Add the remaining water (3 cups), the lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the seasonings. Mix well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Serve on whole wheat buns.