Lentil Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Boats

Name: Lentil Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Boats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 large or 4 small sweet potatoes, (washed and scrubbed clean, sliced in half lengthwise); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, (divided); 2 teaspoons kosher salt, (divided, plus more as needed); Freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 medium yellow onion, (finely diced); 1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, (finely diced); 4 garlic cloves, (minced); 1½ teaspoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1½ cups water; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese ((about 3/4 cup)); For serving: sliced scallions, hot sauce, and/or sliced raw or pickled jalapeños (optional)

where cozy comfort and seasonal veg combine

It’s fall and it’s football season, which means I’m craving the combo of comfort food + seasonal veg. And few things satisfy quite like these sloppy joe boats. …