Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

$- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - ½ cup tomato sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Burger buns or whole grain bread for serving You can swap green lentils for brown lentils if needed. Use vegetable broth or water for cooking. Olive oil can be replaced with canola or coconut oil. For a twist, add diced carrots or celery with the onion. Each serving of these vegan lentil sloppy joes has about 300 calories. You get around 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and 55 grams of carbs. Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein. They help keep you full and satisfied. Plus, they are low in fat and help with digestion. Lentils also provide iron and folate, which are key for good health. The mix of flavors and nutrients makes this dish not just tasty but also good for you. To start, you need to cook the lentils. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed lentils and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy. If there’s extra liquid, just drain it. While the lentils cook, it’s time to sauté some veggies for flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 medium onion and 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Now, let’s combine all the ingredients. Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Make sure to mix these spices well with the veggies. Next, add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and ½ cup of tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Simmer this mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. This will help enhance the overall flavor. For serving, you can prepare your burger buns or whole grain bread. Toasting them lightly adds a nice crunch. Once ready, scoop the lentil mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Then, add the top half to complete your Sloppy Joe. For a fun presentation, serve the Sloppy Joes on a wooden board. You can sprinkle fresh herbs on top for color. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw for added texture. These simple touches make your meal more inviting. To cook lentils well, start with rinsing them. This helps remove dust and debris. Use green or brown lentils for the best texture. - Avoiding mushy lentils: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Lentils should be tender but not mushy. Check them around 20 minutes. If they feel soft, stop cooking and drain any extra water. - Ensuring even cooking: Stir the lentils occasionally while they cook. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. Spices can really boost the taste of your lentil sloppy joes. Here are some great options: - Recommended spices and herbs for added depth: Try adding smoked paprika for a nice smokiness. Cumin gives warmth, while chili powder adds a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make a lovely garnish. - Options for heat levels: If you like things spicy, add more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in sliced jalapeños for extra kick. Preparing meals in advance can save time during busy weeks. Here’s how to make it easy: - Preparing in advance for busy weeks: Cook a big batch of lentil mixture. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days. - Storing and reheating leftovers: To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on low heat. You can also use the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your lentil sloppy joes. Try adding black beans or chickpeas for a new taste. These beans not only boost protein but also add texture. You can also mix in vegetables like finely chopped carrots or zucchini. They add nutrition and flavor without changing the dish too much. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free buns or bread. Many stores offer great choices that taste just as good. You can also use lettuce wraps for a fun twist. This makes the dish lighter and refreshingly crunchy. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. Kids might like milder flavors. You can reduce the spices for a gentler taste. Consider adding a bit of ketchup or BBQ sauce to sweeten the mix. Serving the lentil sloppy joes with colorful toppings can make them fun. Try adding shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices. This makes the meal more appealing and tasty for little ones. For the full recipe, check out the lively vegan lentil sloppy joes! To store your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes, let them cool first. Then, place the mixture in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze the lentil mixture if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Don't let leftovers go to waste! You can use them in many ways. Stir the lentil mixture into pasta for a hearty meal. Or, spread it on a baked potato for a filling snack. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or on a grain bowl. For side dishes, try sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw. These pair well with the flavors of the Sloppy Joes. Enjoy your creative meals! Yes, you can use canned lentils. They save time and effort. Canned lentils are already cooked, so you skip the boiling step. Just drain and rinse them before use. However, they might be softer than dried lentils. This can change the texture of your Sloppy Joes. If you prefer more bite, stick with dried lentils. To add heat, you can use several options. Start with chili powder for a mild kick. If you want more spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Another great option is diced jalapeños. You can mix these into the lentil mixture while it simmers. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Many sides complement these Sloppy Joes. Sweet potato fries pair nicely and add sweetness. A green salad adds freshness and crunch. Coleslaw offers a tangy contrast that balances the dish. You can also serve them with pickles for extra tang. Choose sides that you love and enjoy! Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. The flavors deepen when stored overnight. You can keep the lentil mixture in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well for longer storage. You can make a big batch and pull it out when you need a quick meal. Check the full recipe for more tips! In this post, we explored how to make vegan lentil sloppy joes. We discussed essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect lentils. You learned about nutritional benefits and how to store leftovers. Vegan lentil sloppy joes are not only tasty but also healthy. You can easily adapt the recipe for your needs. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and serving styles. Cooking can be fun, and this dish makes it easy to share with family and friends.$

Satisfy your cravings with these lively vegan lentil sloppy joes! Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe combines lentils, vegetables, and delicious spices for a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun lunch, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and see how easy it is to make this hearty dish at home!

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Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup tomato sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Burger buns or whole grain bread for serving

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid.

While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the spices.

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet, followed by the tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare your burger buns by toasting them lightly, if desired.

Scoop the lentil mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun or piece of bread, then top with the other half.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Sloppy Joes on a wooden board with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, and a side of sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw for added color and texture.