Sloppy Joe Lentil Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups dry brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
• 220 g of ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Half a small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• Half a sweet pepper (red or green), finely chopped
• 0.5 cups ketchup
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 whole grain hamburger buns, toasted
• 6 slices of cheddar
• Pickle slices and/or pickled jalapeños, for serving (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons ketchup and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the lentils, oregano, and 4 cups water; bring to a boil and simmer for 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 needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground 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 evenly distributed. Add the lentil mixture and 1 cup water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread cheese and lentil sauce on the buns. Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapeños.