Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingreadient:

• 2 tablespoons 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 ketchup
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• Sliced pickles and/or pickled jalapeno peppers, for topping (optional)
   

Direction

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper and 2 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. 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. 
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high 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 water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 
3. Fill the buns with the cheese and lentil mixture. Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapenos.