Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 small carrots finely chopped
• 6 slices cheddar cheese 
• 0.5 cup brown lentils dried picked over rinsed
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 8 ounces ground beef 
• 6  hamburger buns whole-wheat toasted
• 0.5 cup catsup 
• 6 servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
• 0.5 small onion finely chopped
• 0.3 teaspoon oregano dried
• 0.5  bell pepper green red finely chopped ( or )
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce 

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper and 2 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
4. 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.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes.
7. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 6 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring, until combined.
8. 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.
9. Fill the buns with the cheese and lentil mixture. Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapenos.
10. Photograph by Lisa Shin