Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

For the sloppy joes:
In a large pot (to avoid splatter), add onions and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes until onions start to get translucent. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if veggies start to stick. Add minced garlic, cumin and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth and lentils. Stir everything and bring to simmer. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Check pot every 10 minutes or so and give everything a stir. Add more water ½ cup at a time if lentils need more time to cook.

For the slaw:
Add cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice and rice vinegar in a medium bowl. Mix everything and allow flavors to combine while lentils cook. Be sure to mix the slaw a few times after you make it, so the lime juice and vinegar don’t just sit at the bottom of the bowl.

Once lentils are done, lightly toast buns (if desired). Serve lentil sloppy joe mixture over half the bun and add slaw on top. Garnish with pickled jalapenos if desired.