Cajun Spiced Smoky Vegan Sloppy Joes

Lentils;

• 3/4 cup red lentils quick cooking re/orange/pink lentils, masoor dal
• 2 cups water

Sloppy Joes:

• 1 tsp oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 medium onion chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 medium zucchini shredded
• 2 tsp smoked paprika or use half sweet and half smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp or more cayenne I use about 1/2 tsp
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 to 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper or cumin for smokier flavor optional and a good pinch of allspice (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce or use 2 tsp soy sauce (coconut aminos for soyfree, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp molasses and sugar to taste)
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3/4 tsp salt
• sugar or maple if needed
• a dash of lemon
• Other flavor additions: 1 to 2 tsp soy sauce or bbq sauce, or hot sauce

Other:

• Soft Dinner Rolls or Burger Buns or use gluten-free tortillas
• lettuce or greens
• sliced onions or coleslaw