Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

1 cup of dry lentils
1 onion
1 green pepper
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp. of olive oil or olive oil spray
1 tbsp. of chile powder (original recipe uses 3)
1-2 tsp. of cayenne pepper (not in original recipe, I think it gives it that extra kick)
2 tsp. of oregano
8 oz. of tomato sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tbsp. yellow mustard
Optional: Maple syrup to taste.
Optional: Salt to taste
Green lettuce leaves or bread/buns for serving (not included in nutritional information)

Place lentils in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil and cook covered until lentils are soft. Generally takes 20-30 minutes. Sometimes lentils cook differently so make sure you test a few times before you stop cooking.
While the lentils are cooking, finely dice the onion, green pepper, and garlic. Don't use a food processor for this, it will come out to liquid-y.
Spray or pour oil in a saucepan. Cook pepper, onion for a few minutes. Add garlic.
Add in the spices, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes.
Add mustard, (maple syrup, and salt) to taste.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user CAFFEINEVICTORY.