Sweet and Smoky BBQ Lentils

4.58 from 14 votes

A stick to your ribs comfort meal with a unique tomato free sauce!

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Entrées

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 253kcal

Add lentils and water to pot. Simmer about 25 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Check them often and make sure to take them off heat and drain as soon as they are tender. Pour back into the pot and set aside.
Meanwhile, in another pot, add carrots, onion and garlic, cover with water by an inch or two and simmer until tender...about 15 to 20 minutes. (It may take a few minutes more or less depending on how small or large you cut the veggies).
When veggies are tender, drain and add to high speed blender along with vinegar, molasses, maple syrup, mustard powder, liquid smoke, chili powder, ginger and clove. Purée until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the cooked lentils and stir to combine.
If your sauce is too thin, simmer the lentils in the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to thicken up. Or, alternately, if your sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water and mix.
Enjoy!

~ Pick over the lentils the remove any small rocks or pebbles.

~ Rinse the lentils well under cold water to wash off any dust or debris.

~ Use canned lentils or steamed lentils (usually found in the produce section of grocery stores) to make this recipe even quicker.

~ If you need to avoid all nightshades, omit the chili powder!

~ If you are sensitive the the sharp flavors of vinegar, start with just 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.

~ Blend the sauce well until perfectly smooth.

~ If the sauce is too thick and not totally smooth, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

~ If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for several minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

~ Serve these saucy lentils on a burger bun, sloppy joe style, or make them the star of the plate on their own with a couple of sides.