As a vegetarian, I sometimes feel like I’m missing out on some of the meaty meals that I cook for my family, things like OMG Chicken, Turkey Pot Pies, and of course the meat version of these Sloppy Joes – Epic Sloppy Joes. With summer approaching, I was on a mission to make a vegetarian version of my Epic Sloppy Joes that would suit not only my vegetarian tastes, but also those of the meat lovers in my family. Life as a busy mom is made so much easier when I don’t have to prepare multiple meals just to feed one family.
Pretty sure I’ve nailed it with this one!
The lentils offer a hearty, meaty texture with amazingly robust flavour. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and likely with ingredients you have on hand.
You’re gonna want to get on this one!
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1½ cups brown lentils (I used a mixed variety), rinsed and picked over
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 cup Vegetable broth
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (I used the Italian seasoned)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp molasses
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 4 - 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or saucepan, add onion and garlic stirring frequently until softened and golden, about 5 minutes
- Add spices, lentils, broth, red pepper and liquid from stewed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then partially cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for aprox. 20 minutes, lentils should be tender enough to eat, but firm enough to still hold their shape.
- Roughly dice remaining tomatoes or pulse gently with a hand blender, add to lentil mixture.
- Stir in molasses, brown sugar and soy sauce, continue cooking until sauce has thickened, aprox. 10 minutes.
- Serve lentils on hamburger buns and enjoy!
Notes
Adapted from Whole Foods Market
This recipe was a hit with the whole family! For a heartier version, add 1 – 2 cups of cooked ground beef or veggie ground round. For a delicious variation, serve lentil mixture over rice or quinoa!
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