Sweet and Smoky BBQ Lentils [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Contents

Savory Sweet & Smoky BBQ Lentils: A Hearty Vegan and Gluten-Free Delight Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make sweet and smoky BBQ lentils: 1/2 cup dried green or brown lentils 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion diced 2 cloves garlic minced 1 red bell pepper diced 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 1/4 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Cultivate Flavorful and Savory BBQ Lentils that Satisfy Your Cravings

Are you a fan of BBQ sauce? If so, we’ve got a treat for you – a mouth-watering recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite! These sweet and smoky BBQ lentils make a delicious foundation for various dishes – consider serving them on a sandwich bun topped with vegan coleslaw, or wrapped in a pita; they also pair well as a dip with corn chips, or served over creamy polenta or roasted potatoes. I stumbled upon the perfect blend of sweet and tangy while experimenting in my kitchen. As I began crafting ideas, I simply let my creativity flow freely. I didn’t feel like using ketchup, as many traditional homemade BBQ sauce recipes typically do. I too opted for an unconventional approach, substituting carrots for the absent tomatoes. The roasted carrots unexpectedly infused the sauce with a rich, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness.

Savory Sweet & Smoky BBQ Lentils: A Hearty Vegan and Gluten-Free Delight

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make sweet and smoky BBQ lentils:

1/2 cup dried green or brown lentils
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

One cup of brown or green lentils
5 cups water

Two medium-sized carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped.
One large sweet onion, finely chopped.
2 garlic cloves, peeled
Sufficient water to submerge vegetables in the cooking pot.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp yellow mustard powder
2 tsp liquid smoke
¼ tsp chili powder
⅛ tsp dried ginger powder
⅛ tsp clove

Cultivate Flavorful and Savory BBQ Lentils that Satisfy Your Cravings

Combining lentils with water in a pot. Cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the desired level of tenderness is achieved, taking care to avoid overcooking and resulting in a mushy texture. Regularly inspect these vegetables, promptly removing them from the heat source once they’ve reached tender consistency, and then immediately draining them. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before returning it to the pot and setting it aside.
As the sauce simmers in one pot, bring a separate vessel to a gentle boil, then submerge carrots, onions, and garlic beneath a rich broth that covers them by about an inch or two, allowing the trio to tenderize slowly over 15 to 20 minutes of undisturbed simmering. The time it takes to cut the veggies may vary by several minutes depending on their size.
Once the vegetables have reached a tender consistency, transfer them to a high-speed blender, accompanied by a blend of ingredients including apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, pure Canadian maple syrup, mustard powder, liquid smoke, chili powder, fresh ginger, and ground cloves. Puree until smooth.
Combine the cooked lentils with the puree, stirring until well mixed.
To rectify a sauce that’s too runny, consider reducing the liquid by allowing the lentils to simmer uncovered for several minutes, which should help to achieve the desired consistency. If your sauce appears too viscous, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of water and blending to achieve the desired consistency. Mine was perfect as is.
Enjoy!