Sloppy Lentils

For Marie...

Stovetop Version

This is a very basic recipe, you can always add onions, garlic, etc.

3 cups of water

1 cup of dried lentil beans, rinsed and picked through

1 pkg Sloppy Joe seasoning

1.25 cup water

6oz can tomato paste

Combine water and beans in a large skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 mins, stirring occasionally. Drain and reserve liquid (1.25 cups) and then add the lentils back to the skillet, with 1.25 cups of reserved liquid or water, package of seasoning and tomato paste. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally. When it reaches sloppy joe consistency, serve over hamburger buns.

Crockpot Version

2 cups water

1 cup brown lentils, rinsed

salt to taste (optional)

1 cup chopped onion

15 oz can diced tomatoes (drained), tomato sauce or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, optional (as needed to thicken – especially if using tomato sauce)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 tablespoon chili powder

3 tablespoons rapadura, molasses, or honey

1 Tbsp white vinegar

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Combine all your ingredients in the crockpot. Turn on low and cook for approximately 5 hours, until lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened and absorbed most of the liquids. Serve on open faced hamburger buns and top with melted cheese, as desired.