Prepare the red lentils. Rinse 1/2 cup of red lentils in water and then drain. Add the lentils to a medium pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 18 minutes with no lid. After 18 minutes, lentils should be soft and cooked. If there is any liquid leftover- drain it, then set the lentils to the side.

While the lentils are cooking, finely chop the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Add 2 tsp of oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the onion first, let it saute for 5 minutes, or until it starts to brown up. Then add the carrots, celery and garlic. Let saute for another 5 minutes or until veggies are looking cooked and golden.

Add the tomato paste to the veggie mixture along with the bbq sauce, apple sauce and the onion powder. Thoroughly combine.

At this point, add in the cooked lentils. Mix the lentils with the other ingredients. Add the vegetable broth to thin out the mixture. Let it simmer until a desired consistency has formed and everything is warmed all the way through.

Evenly distribute the lentil mixture into 4 hamburger buns. Option to top with something pickled (see notes).

Store any leftover lentil mixture in a sealed container for a few days. Reheat before eating. Although best when fresh.