These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy taste makes them a crowd-pleaser, and so they’re an enormous hit at our home. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe expertise.
Why we love this recipe
If you happen to grew up on sloppy joes like we did (and even in case you didn’t), you’re going to like this spin on the basic! Our lentil sloppy joes recipe has all of the hearty, tangy taste of the basic, however it’s an straightforward vegan recipe that’s 100% plant-based.
The perfect half is you can also make it in half-hour! It makes a big batch of 8 servings (true to type, since sloppy joes are supposed to feed a crowd). Ketchup, tomato paste, and some seasonings make a savory taste that’s irresistible. The primary time we made them, we liked watching our toddler shovel in chew after chew! It’s a child favourite that adults love, too.
Components you’ll want
Lentil sloppy joes star one in all our very favourite plant-based substances: lentils! We love them as a result of they’re scrumptious, cheap, full of plant-based protein (which makes vegan recipes extra filling), and shelf secure for as much as 3 years. How’s that for a rockstar ingredient? Listed below are the principle substances you’ll want, plus salt and olive oil:
Brown or inexperienced lentils: These are low cost and simple to search out. Keep away from substituting different varieties (like pink or French) since they prepare dinner in a different way.
Inexperienced bell pepper and onion: These are customary within the basic model of sloppy joes.
Garlic: Recent garlic provides a savory meaty taste that’s important in vegan dinners, we discover.
Tomato paste, ketchup, Dijon, brown sugar: These substances make the bottom of the tangy sauce.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: If you happen to eat totally vegan or plant-based, use vegan Worcestershire sauce or this Worcestershire sauce substitute.
Garlic powder, cumin and smoked paprika: These savory spices type a meaty base.
Ideas for making lentil sloppy joes
This lentil sloppy joes recipe comes collectively rapidly! Just a few recipe ideas earlier than you get proper to it:
The recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s a giant batch. You can also make half if desired. However we love having leftovers to eat once more or placed on a vegan taco salad.
Prepare dinner the lentils first till tender, about 20 minutes. You’ll go away all of the liquid within the pan when mixing it with the sauce, so that you’ll need most of it to be evaporated.
You’ll be able to chop the substances for the sauce whereas the lentils prepare dinner. Brief lower! Chop and sauté whereas the lentils are cooking. It makes for fast prep time!
Storing leftovers and make forward data
We like these lentil sloppy joes greatest the day they’re cooked, however they style nice the following day too! You’ll be able to retailer leftovers refrigerated for as much as 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan, including an additional squeeze of ketchup if it appears dry.
One other technique to make this prematurely is to make the lentils and sauce and refrigerate them individually. Then combine collectively and warmth on the stovetop earlier than serving.
What to serve with vegan lentil sloppy joes
To us, one thing about sloppy joes screams potato chips! However in case you’re up for serving with extra veggies (which we’re!), listed here are a couple of extra concepts on what to serve alongside. If you happen to eat totally vegan, in some recipes you might want to make use of vegan mayo or feta (or omit the cheese).
Dietary notes
This lentil sloppy joes recipe is vegan (with vegan buns), plant-based, vegetarian, and dairy-free. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free bun.
Steadily requested questions
Are vegan lentil sloppy joes as satisfying as the standard model?
They are often! Lentils present a hearty texture and a great quantity of protein, whereas the mix of spices and savory substances delivers the basic sloppy joe taste you crave.
After all, there’s nothing fairly just like the style of floor beef, so in case you’re attempting to impress a meat lover you might wish to attempt bought plant-based crumbles.
Can I exploit different kinds of lentils apart from brown or inexperienced lentils?
We don’t recommend substituting lentil varieties right here. Pink lentils particularly turn out to be very mushy.
Are there any gluten-free choices for the buns?
Many grocery shops now supply gluten-free hamburger buns. Alternatively, you should use lettuce wraps and even serve the sloppy joe filling over rice or quinoa for a grain bowl-inspired twist.
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner! The tangy taste makes them a crowd-pleaser, and so they’re an enormous hit at our home. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe expertise.
1/2 inexperienced bell pepper, finely diced (about ¾ cup)
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small can tomato paste
¾ cup natural ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon every garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika
8 buns (vegan if desired)
Bread and butter pickles, to serve
In a big saucepan, place the lentils, 6 cups water, and a pair of teaspoons kosher salt. Carry to a speedy simmer. Scale back the warmth and simmer uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, till the lentils are tender however nonetheless maintain their form and there’s solely a little bit of liquid left within the pan.
In the meantime, put together the greens as famous within the ingredient listing.
In one other massive saucepan or skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium excessive warmth. Add the bell pepper and onion and prepare dinner for five minutes till the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and prepare dinner for 1 minute. Stir within the tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cumin and smoked paprika. (If the lentils are usually not but prepared at this level, take away the warmth and permit the sauce to relaxation till they’re carried out). As soon as the lentils are cooked, add them and the pan liquid to the tomato combination, then simmer for five minutes till thickened and heat. Style and add salt if desired.
Serve on a bun with pickles. (If desired, toast the buns previous to serving.) Make forward: Leftovers save for 3 to 4 days. Make prematurely, refrigerate after which reheat in a saucepan. Add an additional squeeze of ketchup if it appears dry.
