Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry brown or green lentils
- 1 ⅓ cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
diced
- 1 orange or red bell pepper
diced
- 3 cloves of garlic
minced
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 whole grain buns
toasted
- Toppings: onions
pickles and/or coleslaw
Directions
- 1
Prepare lentils by rinsing them and adding to a pot with water and a bay leaf. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat down and simmer covered until most of the liquid is absorbed and lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside to cool. This step can be done in advance.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic and mushrooms and sauté for 7-10 minutes, until softened.
- 3
Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns with toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Vegan Sloppy Joes
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About this Recipe
Craving that nostalgic, saucy comfort of sloppy joes but looking for a hearty, plant-based alternative? This vegan sloppy joe recipe delivers all the classic sweet and smoky flavor you love, proving that a meatless meal can be just as satisfying and incredibly easy to make. What makes these vegan sloppy joes truly shine is the clever use of lentils. Simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, the lentils absorb all the delicious seasonings, providing a wonderfully meaty texture without any actual meat. The combination of maple syrup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika creates a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly tangy profile that captures the essence of a traditional sloppy joe, making it a standout weeknight meal. Prepare for a seriously satisfying and deeply flavorful meal that's both comforting and hearty. You'll find the lentils are tender yet hold their shape, creating a substantial and rustic texture that's perfectly coated in the thick, sweet, and smoky sauce. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes with a subtle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, all brightened by the garlic and onion. Piled high on a toasted bun, it's deliciously messy in the best possible way, evoking warm childhood memories with every bite. Feel free to customize your vegan sloppy joes to your liking. While brown or green lentils are recommended for their robust texture, you can also consider adding a touch more heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick. The recipe calls for orange or red bell pepper, but any color will work. Don't forget the classic toppings like thinly sliced fresh onions, crisp pickles, or creamy coleslaw to add extra crunch and tang, truly elevating the experience. These easy vegan sloppy joes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, casual family gatherings, or a potluck. Serve them open-faced or fully loaded on toasted whole grain buns, complemented by a simple side salad, some potato chips, or a crunchy veggie slaw for that ultimate nostalgic diner feel.