Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
Try this Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup white or yellow onion chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup brown or green lentils soaked for a few hours (or overnight) and rinsed
- 2 to 3 cups water
- 1 green or red bell pepper chopped (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder dried
- one 15-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (i like the muir glen brand)
- 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (adjust according to taste how much is needed will also depend on the tomatoes and tomato paste you use)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or more as needed)
- 6 sprouted grain buns
- toppings of choice (tabasco sauce sriracha, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, avocado slices, etc.)
- Carbohydrate 27.0862865119022 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.79635566033125 g
- Fiber 12.2588295796777 g
- Protein 10.2128308251145 g
- Saturated Fat 0.263818328306381 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (96g)
- Sodium 16.5614997975865 mg
- Sugar 14.8274569322245 g
- Trans Fat 0.15126952129221 g
- Calories 162 calories
Step-by-step
- Place lentils in a large pot, and cover with water (enough so that there's at least a full inch or two of water above the lentils). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are chewable, but still have some firmness to them. Drain them and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion is soft and clear, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, chili, paprika, and mustard, and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the garlic is quite fragrant.
- Add the lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add more broth as needed. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 15 to 20 minutes (I like thick sloppy joes, but if you like 'em sloppier, that's fine, too!).
- Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Divide sloppy joes onto the buns and top with toppings of choice, including some Tabasco or sriracha for heat, if desired. Serve.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. But let me tell you, this recipe for Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes is a lifesaver! It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight when I'm juggling work deadlines and after-school activities. I first discovered this recipe during a weekend getaway, looking for a quick and easy lunch option while traveling. I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and nutritious this meal was. It completely changed my perspective on vegan meals - previously I felt they lacked heartiness and depth of flavor. Now I make it at least twice a month.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spices to your liking – add a little more chili powder for a spicier kick, or use less if you prefer a milder flavor. And the toppings are completely customizable! I often use my homemade sauerkraut for a tangy crunch, but fresh avocado slices, coleslaw, or even some pickled onions are all fantastic additions. My kids love adding a touch of sriracha for some extra heat, while I prefer the classic Tabasco. My husband enjoys it with sautéed mushrooms, it goes perfect with it! The possibilities are endless.
The best part? This recipe is packed with protein and fiber from the lentils, making it a wonderfully satisfying meal that keeps me feeling full and energized throughout the afternoon. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, too! I usually use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a nice pop of color and sweetness. I always keep the ingredients in stock, because this can be a quick lunch or dinner if needed. The lentils can be pre-soaked in advance, which is a huge time saver. I usually soak them the night before. It’s a perfect meal prep recipe for busy days.
Beyond the basics: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of lentils – brown or green lentils both work well. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked lentils, but I find that soaking and cooking them myself gives the sloppy joes a richer flavor. I’ve even experimented with adding different types of beans to the mix, creating even more flavor and texture combinations. A little bit of smoked paprika gives it amazing smoky flavor, and I rarely leave it out. You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to control the sweetness level. If you prefer it less sweet, use less. The recipe is already pretty savory, thanks to all the other ingredients. If you're using canned tomatoes that are already very salty, you may want to reduce the salt accordingly. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasonings to your preferences.
Beyond a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe has become a staple in our house. My kids actually *ask* for it – which is a pretty big accomplishment when it comes to getting them to eat their veggies! I've even taken it to potlucks and family gatherings, and it's always a hit. It’s such a hearty, filling meal that it’s become a go-to for lunches packed in the thermos. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can serve it on hamburger buns, on gluten-free bread, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegan food can be.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, give these Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes a try. You won't be disappointed! It’s a meal that truly embodies the spirit of simple cooking with delicious, wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect representation of how easy vegan cooking can be, while simultaneously delivering a flavourful, satisfying dish. As I mentioned before, it's incredibly versatile - perfect for a weeknight meal, a weekend lunch, or even a make-ahead option for busy days. Enjoy!
