Crockpot Lentil Sloppy Joes

Lentils are budget-friendly and a great meat-subsitite in many recipes. Even if you're not looking to give up meat altogether, but you are looking to save money ... consider going LOCO FOR LENTILS!

Lentil Sloppy Joes

 Ingredients

• 2 cups dry lentils
• 8 cups water 
• 1 tablespoon chicken stock base
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Bragg's aminos, or coconut aminos
• 3 carrots, shredded

Directions

Place 2 cups of dried lentils into a large microwave safe bowl. Add the 8 cups of water and chicken stock base. Microwave for 25 minutes. Water should (almost) completely absorbed into the lentils. For a stovetop method --add the 2 cups dried lentils, 8 cups water, and 1 tablespoon chicken stock base to a stockpot. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook until almost all of the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Do not drain remaining water from the lentils!

Spray a skillet with non-stick spray. Add the garlic and onion and cook on medium-high until onion is translucent. Add the cooked lentils, onion and garlic, and remaining ingredients to a crockpot. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.