Homemade Smoky Lentils

Smoky Lentils are made from scratch, full of flavor and are so hearty they can be served as a side or main. The combination of ingredients remind me of BBQ Beans in America or Breakfast Beans in the UK. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, vinegar, molasses, tamari/soy sauce and more create a must have bowl of beans. ​

We love to have them as a side with a number of meals. Have it over toast. Have it as a side with breakfast. Have it with salad and rice. Have it with a baked sweet potato and avocado, or fries, over a vegan hot dog, with corn on the cob, with a baked sweet potato and asparagus, etc. There are so many ways to enjoy this dish. It's featured with a baked pototo and avocado, delicious! Watch how to make this easy, satisfying and nutritious recipe in the new#artisticveganshow and get the recipe below. 

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Vegan, Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Refined Sugar-Free

Plantbased Ingredients:

• 1 lb Lentils
• 1 White Onion - Finely Chopped
• 2 lg or 4 sm Cloves Garlic - Minced
• 3 Tbsp Molasses
• 3 Tbsp Low Sodium Tamari (or Soy, Coconut Aminos, Vegan Worcestershire Sauce)
• 3 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Ketchup 
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 2 1/2 Cups Tomato Purée 
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth (+ 2 Cups on standby if needed)
• S&P as desired
• Opt: Parsley to decorate or favorite herb

Peaceful Preparation:

1. Soak the beans for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. Add a splash of the vegetable broth to a big pot with a tight fitting lid. Add the onions and garlic, cook for 4 minutes or until soft. Add all of the ingredients, less the additional 2 cups of broth on standby and parsley. 
3. Bring to a simmer. Cover. Cook on low, stirring occasionally until the beans are cooked. Aproximately 45 minutes to an hour. Mine went an hour. 
4. Serve hot with a little parsley on top for decoration or chopped parsley for color and flavor in each bite. Enjoy! 

Notes:

• Use any bean of choice. Modify cooking time as needed.
• Shortcut: Use pre-cooked beans, even a can of beans, use less broth, cook 20-30 minutes on low to let the flavors come together. 
• Replace ketchup with 2 tbsp tomato paste; add 1 tbsp sweetener of choice.
• Tomatoe Purée? Purée fresh tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Use canned for shortcut. 
• Use up to 3 Tbsp Sweetener of choice to make them sweeter.
• Add smoked paprika and / or cayenne if you fancy.