Snobby Joes

1 C uncooked lentils
4 C water
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ -1 Tbsp. chili powder
1½ tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. sea salt
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
¼ C tomato paste
3 Tbsp. real maple syrup
1-2 Tbsp. brown mustard
4-6 whole-grain rolls
optional: 1 green pepper, diced small

Put the lentils in a small sauce pot and add water. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 min. Drain and set aside.
About 10 min. before lentils are done, sauté the onion and optional pepper in oil for 7 min. in a medium saucepan, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté a minute more. Add the cooked lentils, the chili powder, oregano. and salt to the onion/garlic and mix.
Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Cook about 10 min. Add the maple syrup and mustard and heat through.
Turn the heat off and let sit for about 10 min. Serve open faced, with a scoop of Snobby Joes on each half a bun.
Can also be served cold or warm in romaine lettuce leaves.

Thanks for the recipe, Laura (adapted from happyfoody.com/2009/01/17/snobby-joes/)!
(Recipe was further adapted by Robyn.)