Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 1 1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 yellow onion, diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 green or red bell pepper, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (6.0-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (15.0-ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instruction

  • Place lentils in a small pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until onion is golden brown, about 8 minutes.
  • Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until spices and tomato paste are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add vinegar and then use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 2 cups water, garlic, apricots and crushed tomatoes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and let sauce simmer until it thickens, at least 30 minutes.
  • When lentils are cooked, drain off any excess cooking liquid and add to the pan with sauce; stir well to combine.
  • Mash some or all of the lentils using a wooden spoon or potato masher. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.
  • Toast hamburger buns in the oven, if desired. Ladle 1 cup of the lentil mixture on each toasted bun and serve.