Vegan Sloppy Joes
These hearty and flavorful Vegan Sloppy Joes are made with fresh, simple ingredients, naturally sweetened, and come together in just 30 minutes! A savory, smoky, and perfectly sweet plant-based meal that's incredibly satisfying.
Instructions
- 1
If using green lentils: To a small saucepan, add liquid (I used water (1 cup), vegetable broth (1 cup) for added flavor) and rinsed lentils (1 cup) and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered for about 18-22 minutes, or until tender. The water should have a constant simmer (not boil). Drain off any excess liquid and set aside.
- 2
If using red lentils: To a small saucepan, add liquid ([water] and/or [vegetable broth]) and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add rinsed lentils (1 cup) and bring back to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, or until just tender. You want them to be cooked through but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
- 3
In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil (2 tbsp), onion (0.5 medium), garlic (2 cloves), and bell pepper (0.5 medium). Season with a pinch each [sea salt] and [black pepper] and stir to combine.
- 4
Sautè for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the [bell pepper]s and [onion]s are tender and slightly browned.
- 5
Next add tomato sauce (1 can), coconut sugar (1.5 tbsp), vegan worcestershire (1.5 tbsp), chili powder (1.5 tsp), ground cumin (1 tsp), and paprika (1 pinch) (optional). Stir to combine.
- 6
Once the [lentils] are cooked, add them to the skillet as well, and stir to combine.
- 7
Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until completely warmed through and thick, stirring occasionally - about 5-10 minutes.
- 8
Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more [chili powder] and/or [ground cumin] for smokiness, [sea salt] for saltiness, [coconut sugar] for sweetness, or [vegan worcestershire] for depth of flavor.
- 9
Serve the mixture on toasted [buns] with sliced [onion]. Best when fresh, though leftover sloppy joe mixture will keep in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for 1 month. Reheat in the microwave, or on the stovetop, adding [water] or [vegetable broth] if the mixture has dried out.
Nutrition Facts
Per portion