IMG_4314Sloppy Joes … mmmmm

INGREDIENTS
1 1/3 cups water, divided (3 cups if using lentils)
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
EITHER 1.5 cup crushed brown lentils or 1 pkg ground meat sub (note different water and covering)
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz) (don’t have crushed? process diced!)
2 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons Agave Nectar or Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
freshly ground black pepper

METHOD
This is oil-free – so you’re going to be sautéing in water. It works. Trust me.
Add ⅓ cup of water to a large pot. Sauté the onions and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until onions soften slightly (about 5 minutes).

Add the chili powder. Add the remaining water (about a cup if using meat sub, 3 cups if using lentils), the meat sub or lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the seasonings. Mix well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, (cover if lentils, uncovered if meat sub) and cook over low heat for (55 minutes lentils, 30 meat sub), stirring occasionally (frequently if meat sub).

Serve on whole wheat buns with a green veggie and something starch-y. Julienned veggies work great…