Lentil Sloppy Joes

Sounds strange, right? If you're trying to cut back on meat, you'll try strange things. This is a wonderful meat-less substitute for good ole' American sloppy joes.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

1 cup brown lentils

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 cup yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbs. garlic, minced

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 Tbs. prepared yellow mustard

1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

Tabasco to taste

Salt & pepper to taste

Sort through lentils, picking out stones or debris. Cover and cook lentils with 4 cups water in a medium saucepan over medium heat until tender but not mushy, about 22 minutes. Drain lentils and set aside. Saute onion in a saute pan over medium high heat until soft, 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Add ketchup, syrup, mustard, vinegar, Tabasco, and salt & pepper. Simmer until thick and darker in color, 8-10 minutes. Stir in lentils and simmer 2-3 minutes to warm through. Serve sloppy Joes on buns with pickles, lettuce, and onions.