Savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets
These Savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. Packed with protein from lentils and vibrant vegetables, this dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare in a slow cooker. Perfect for a quick lunch or snacks, these flavorful pockets can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you're sharing with friends or enjoying a meal at home, these veggie-loaded treats are sure to please everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
1 cup (sorted and rinsed)
water
2 cups (for cooking lentils)
celery
1.5 cups (chopped)
carrots
1.5 cups (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
ketchup
3/4 cup (for added flavor)
dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (for tanginess)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
pita breads
5 (cut in half to form pockets (6-inch diameter))
lettuce leaves
5 (fresh, for serving)
Instructions
1
Rinse and sort the dried lentils, then add them to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes until the lentils are just tender.
2
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine the cooked lentils (with the water), chopped celery, chopped carrots, chopped onion, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 12 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
4
Once ready to serve, stir in cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
5
To serve, take a pita pocket, and place a fresh lettuce leaf inside. Fill the pocket with about 1/2 cup of the lentil mixture. Enjoy your savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets while warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets?
Savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, featuring protein-rich lentils and vibrant vegetables.
Are these pita pockets vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and is described as a meatless meal.
How do I prepare the dried lentils before slow cooking?
Rinse and sort the dried lentils, then simmer them in 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes until just tender.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
You should use 2 cups of water for the initial simmering phase.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 4-quart slow cooker is recommended to combine the lentils and other ingredients.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped celery, chopped carrots, and chopped onion.
How long does the lentil mixture cook in the slow cooker?
The mixture should be cooked on the LOW setting for 8 to 12 hours.
What provides the BBQ flavor in this recipe?
The flavor is created by a combination of ketchup, dark brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
When should I add the cider vinegar?
The cider vinegar should be stirred in once the cooking process is complete and you are ready to serve.
How many pita pockets does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 5 pita breads cut in half, which creates 10 pita pockets.
How much filling goes into each pita pocket?
Each pocket is filled with approximately 1/2 cup of the savory lentil mixture.
What type of pita bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 6-inch diameter pita breads cut in half to form pockets.
Should the lentils be served warm or cold?
The Savory BBQ Lentil Pita Pockets are best enjoyed while the filling is warm.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it is made in a slow cooker and is easy to assemble, it is a great option for a quick lunch or meal prep.
Can I customize the toppings in the pita?
Absolutely, these flavorful pockets can be customized with any of your favorite additional toppings.
What is the role of the lettuce in this recipe?
A fresh lettuce leaf is placed inside the pocket first to provide a crisp texture and serve as a base for the filling.
What is the main protein source in this dish?
Dried lentils serve as the primary source of protein for this meal.
How do I season the BBQ lentil mixture?
You should season with salt and pepper to taste after the slow cooking is finished to ensure a perfect balance.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a veggie-loaded, family-friendly treat that is sure to please everyone at the table.
What kind of sugar is used for the sweetness?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of packed dark brown sugar.
Is it necessary to sort the lentils?
Yes, you should sort the lentils to remove any debris and rinse them before simmering.
Can I cook the mixture on high heat in the slow cooker?
The recipe specifically recommends cooking on LOW for 8-12 hours for the flavors to meld properly.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of ketchup for the base of the BBQ sauce.
What kind of vinegar provides the tanginess?
Cider vinegar is used to add the necessary tanginess to the dish.
Are the carrots and celery cooked before being added to the slow cooker?
No, they are chopped and added raw to the slow cooker where they will soften during the 8-12 hour cooking period.
Is this recipe low in fat?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, lentils and vegetables are naturally low-fat ingredients.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Can this recipe be considered a healthy lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy lunch and is packed with fiber and protein from the lentils.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for seasoning.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe because the majority of the work is done by the slow cooker.