Are you ready to savor a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Dive into the world of "Slow Cooker Barbecue Lentils"—a hearty, plant-based meal that will have your taste buds dancing! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a smoky, tangy delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering with friends. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you let your slow cooker work its magic, transforming humble lentils into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any dust or debris.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the slow cooker. This will provide moisture and flavor to the lentils as they cook.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the lentils to absorb the flavors of the barbecue sauce and spices.
- After 6 hours, check the lentils for doneness. They should be tender but not mushy. If they need more time, you can continue to cook them for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking periodically.
- Once the lentils are cooked to your desired tenderness, give them a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or barbecue sauce according to your preference.
- Serve the barbecue lentils warm, either on their own or as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your dried lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a cleaner and tastier dish.
- Choose Your Barbecue Sauce Wisely: The flavor of your barbecue sauce will greatly influence the final taste of the dish. Opt for a sauce that you love—whether it's sweet, smoky, or spicy!
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: While 6 hours on low is ideal, every slow cooker is different. Check the lentils for doneness after 5 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your lentils before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or barbecue sauce to suit your preferences.
- Serve Creatively: These barbecue lentils are versatile! Serve them as a filling for sandwiches, over rice, or even in tacos for a fun twist.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for a quick meal later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
