Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4
These Flavorful Vegan Sloppy Joes are a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun lunch. Made with lentils and a savory sauce, they’re sure to satisfy everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this tasty dish!
Ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (use gluten-free if needed)
- Pickles, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired.
- Spoon the lentil mixture onto the buns.
- Garnish with pickles and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the vegetable sauté for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Beans: Substitute lentils with black beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
These Flavorful Vegan Sloppy Joes are a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish with a plant-based twist. Perfect for any occasion, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit with their rich flavors and hearty texture. Enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends. Happy cooking!
