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- 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 medium-sized carrot, coarsely grated - 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste - 1 tablespoon of maple syrup Lentils are the star here. They add protein and fiber, making this dish filling. Vegetable broth keeps the lentils moist and adds flavor. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies, giving them a nice texture. Onions, garlic, and bell peppers create a strong base for our sloppy joes. Don't forget the grated carrot for a touch of sweetness. - 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - Whole grain burger buns for serving - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish The apple cider vinegar and vegan Worcestershire sauce add depth to the dish. Smoked paprika gives it a warm, smoky flavor. Chili powder adds a bit of spice, which you can adjust to your taste. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. Serve on whole grain buns for a healthy touch, and don't forget fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by placing 1 cup of rinsed lentils in a medium pot. 2. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 4. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. 5. Cook until the lentils are tender but still firm. 6. Drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 finely diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant. 4. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 grated carrot. 5. Sauté these for another 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. 1. Stir in the cooked lentils with the sautéed vegetables. 2. Add 1 can of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. 3. Pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce. 4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. 5. Add salt and black pepper to taste. 6. Mix everything well until combined. 7. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. 8. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasonings as needed. To cook lentils, start by rinsing them well. This helps remove any dust or debris. Place the rinsed lentils in a pot with vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. For green or brown lentils, cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. If you use red lentils, reduce the time to about 15 minutes. Always check your lentils. They should be tender but not mushy. To make your lentil sloppy joes even tastier, add spices like cumin or oregano. A pinch of cayenne can add heat, while a touch of garlic powder gives depth. If you want more sweetness, increase the maple syrup slightly. For acidity, a bit more apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors. Taste as you go. Adjust until it feels just right. Toasting your burger buns adds a nice crunch. You can use a toaster or broil them in the oven for a minute or two. Serve your lentil mixture on the toasted buns. For a complete meal, pair them with carrot sticks or a fresh salad. This adds color and extra nutrients to your plate. Enjoy the flavors and textures together! Pro Tips Soaking Lentils: For a quicker cooking time and improved digestibility, consider soaking lentils in water for a few hours before cooking. Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additional spices like cumin or oregano for a more complex flavor profile in your Sloppy Joes. Texture Variations: If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the lentil mixture in a food processor for a few seconds before serving. Make Ahead: This lentil filling can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping! {{image_4}} You can switch lentils for other proteins. Chickpeas are a great choice. They add a nice texture and taste. Black beans also work well, bringing a rich flavor. For extra crunch, try adding tempeh or quinoa. Tempeh gives a hearty bite, while quinoa adds lightness. Each option brings a unique twist to your sloppy joes. Want more heat? Add jalapeños to the mix. They pack a punch and enhance the flavor. If you prefer sweet and savory, swap maple syrup for agave. You can also try different syrups like date syrup for a rich taste. Adjust these spices to fit your mood and your guests’ preferences. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free burger buns. Many tasty options are available in stores now. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth. This keeps your dish healthier and lets you control the saltiness. These small changes can make this meal fit your dietary needs without losing flavor. To store leftover lentil sloppy joes, first let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in your fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. This helps you enjoy them longer without waste. To freeze the lentil mixture, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove excess air before sealing. The mixture can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For quick meals, you can prepare the lentil mixture in advance. Store it in individual portions. Use clear containers to see what’s inside. Label each container with the date and contents. This makes it easy to grab a meal when you need it. Yes, you can make this lentil sloppy joe mix ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. To prepare in advance, cook the lentils and mix them with the sauce. Let the filling cool, then place it in an airtight container. You can also toast the buns just before serving for the best taste. The lentil sloppy joes last about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them properly in a sealed container. If you have leftover filling, you can keep it separate from the buns to maintain their crispness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Absolutely! You can swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have. For lentils, you can use canned lentils for faster prep. If you’re out of bell pepper, try zucchini or mushrooms. Maple syrup can be replaced with agave or brown sugar. Get creative and use what you love! This blog post covers making delicious lentil sloppy joes. You learned about main ingredients like lentils and vegetables. We also explored tips for cooking perfect lentils and enhancing flavor with spices. Variations included using different proteins and dietary modifications. Lastly, we discussed storage methods for leftovers and meal prep tips. Enjoy making this dish that is hearty and flexible. With these easy steps, you can create a satisfying meal. Don't forget to try different variations to suit your taste!

Chunky Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

A hearty and flavorful vegan twist on classic sloppy joes made with lentils and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, coarsely grated
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • as needed whole grain burger buns for serving
  • as needed fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the rinsed lentils in a medium pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender yet firm. Drain any extra liquid and set the lentils aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Next, incorporate the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot into the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
  • Once the vegetables are ready, stir in the cooked lentils along with the tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
  • While the lentil filling simmers, lightly toast the whole grain burger buns under the broiler or in a toaster until golden brown.
  • When the filling is done simmering, place a generous scoop of the chunky mixture onto each toasted bun. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with a side of carrot sticks or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal!
Keyword healthy, lentils, sloppy joes, vegan