Barbecue Lentils(?)

I have to start by saying - barbecue lentils is not something I would ever think of making. I came across the idea in an email I received from Food52. I was intrigued. I'm always looking for new things to do with beans and lentils, places to go beyond the patty. And sometimes I really like a pulled pork sandwich.

Side note - I'm pretty sure any of the recipes can be adjusted to produce a sauce in the style to which you are accustomed. Despite being from Georgia, I prefer an eastern Carolina-style sauce (the kind that's more of a vinegar sauce). Unfortunately, a true eastern Carolina-style sauce doesn't work quite as well with lentils, so I went a little thicker, but added extra vinegar to make it sharp. If you like a sweeter, Kansas City-style sauce, add more molasses or brown sugar. If you're not sure what kind of sauce you like, check out this site I found that gives a good breakdown of the basic American barbecue sauces.

I didn't have a sweet potato handy, so I opted to use this recipe instead.

the cooked lentils

the sauce - I made it spicy and acidic

I served these "sandwiches" with a side of broccoli and roasted potatoes. I like a pickle with my barbecue sandwich, but I didn't have any. I decided to quick-pickle some red onion slices in red wine vinegar, and topped the sandwiches with those. So tasty!

my husband's plate

You can see, they were pretty messy. We ended up eating them with forks and knives. Overall, it was a good flavor and a new lentil adventure. I'll make this again.

Have you tried anything interesting with lentils or beans lately?