Lentil Sloppy Joes

A friend put this recipe on Facebook from the Food Network Kitchens.  I can't wait to try it.  She loves it!

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, red or green, finely chopped
1/2 cup of ketchup
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup of dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 ounces of ground beef
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
6 slices of cheddar cheese
sliced pickles or pickled jalapeño peppers, for topping

Directions:

heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oiling a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Add the onion,carrot, bell pepper,and 2 tablespoons of ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 3 seconds.  Add the lentils, oregano, and 4 cups of  water; bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer until the lentils are tender and the water is absorbed, 35 minutes to 40 minutes (add up to 1 more cup of water if necessary.)  Season with salt and pepper.

Heat the remaining1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes.

Add the worcestershire sauce and the remaining 6 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring, until combined.  Add the lentil mixture and 1 cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

Fill the buns with the cheese and lentil mixture.  Top with pickles and or pickled jalapeños.