Barbecue Lentils
Hearty lentils with a sweet and smoky sauce, these Barbecue Lentils are delicious as a side dish or even as a main dish. Quick, easy and inexpensive to make!
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry brown lentils or the equivalent or canned lentils
- 1 bay leaf
- 3-4 cups water for cooking lentils
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Sort lentils removing any pebbles, debris or shriveled beans and rinse under cool water. STOVE TOP: To a large pot, add lentils, bay leaf and enough water to cover the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook with the lid tilted for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender, but not falling apart. Stir occasionally during cooking time and add additional water, if needed. INSTANT POT: To the inner pot, add lentils, bay leaf, and 4 cups of water. Place lid and seal. Cook on low pressure for 6 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 17 minutes. Then turn valve to vent to release any remaining pressure.
- Drain lentils, discard bay leaf and set aside. In the same pot, heat oil over medium. Use the sauté function if using the Instant Pot. Add diced onion, sauté until tender 8-10 minutes. Add spices and heat for 1 minute longer.
- Add vegetable broth, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke. Stir to thoroughly combine. Add lentils and stir again.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings to your tastes adding salt, if needed.
