Smoky Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Discover a delicious and plant-based twist on a classic comfort food with Smoky Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes. This recipe combines hearty lentils with a smoky and savory sauce, all served on a bun for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to reduce your meat consumption, these Sloppy Joes offer a burst of flavor and wholesome goodness in every bite.

Smoky Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ONE small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4-6 whole grain burger buns

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup or brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
5. Add Cooked Lentils: Stir the cooked lentils into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more smoked paprika, chili powder, or salt to suit your taste preferences.
7. Serve: Toast the burger buns if desired. Spoon a generous amount of the smoky lentil mixture onto each bun. Serve the Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate):

• Serving Size: 1 Sloppy Joe (including bun)
• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 59g
• Dietary Fiber: 13g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 13g