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- 1 cup green or brown lentils - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat hamburger buns - Optional garnishes: pickled jalapeños and freshly chopped parsley This recipe is packed with healthy ingredients. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. They help keep you full and satisfied. The vegetable broth adds depth to the flavor. Olive oil brings a nice richness to the dish. I like using onion and garlic for their strong taste. They make everything better. The red bell pepper adds a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste give the dish a rich base. Maple syrup balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Soy sauce or tamari gives it a savory kick. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness. Smoked paprika and chili powder bring warmth and spice. Make sure to season with salt and black pepper to your taste. You can serve this on whole wheat buns for a wholesome meal. The optional pickled jalapeños add heat, while parsley gives a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by combining 1 cup of rinsed lentils and 3 cups of vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a full boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook for 25-30 minutes until the lentils become tender. After cooking, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside. This step is crucial for a great base flavor. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and fragrant. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 finely diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the bell pepper softens. This will create a flavorful base for your Sloppy Joes. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Pour in 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes, along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir in the cooked lentils as well. Mix everything well with a spatula to ensure even distribution. Allow this mixture to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This blending of flavors is what makes your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes so tasty. While your lentil mixture simmers, it’s time to toast the buns. Toast 4 whole wheat hamburger buns in a toaster or on a dry skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This texture adds a nice contrast to the soft lentil filling. To serve, take a generous scoop of the savory lentil mixture and place it on the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you like a bit of heat, add some pickled jalapeños. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Place the other half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! You can find the Full Recipe for all the details. To make your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes even better, focus on seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. If you want a thinner mix, add vegetable broth. This will help you find the right texture. Lentils come in many types. You can use red, green, or brown lentils. Each type gives a different taste and feel. Try adding more vegetables, too. Carrots, celery, or even mushrooms boost nutrition and flavor. For a full meal, think about side dishes. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch. Fries are a classic choice. To make it fun, offer condiments. Let everyone add their favorites, like hot sauce or pickles. This makes each bite unique and personal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap out the whole wheat buns for gluten-free buns. This change keeps the meal safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The taste stays delicious, and you won’t miss the gluten! If you like heat, add more jalapeños or splash in some hot sauce. This tweak makes the Sloppy Joes fiery and fun. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. Experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite kick! Looking to add more protein? Mix in cooked quinoa or tempeh. Both options enhance the dish's texture and nutrition. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor, while tempeh gives a satisfying bite. You’ll feel full and happy after each bite! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. You can refrigerate your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy them later! If you want to save some for later, freeze portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Your Sloppy Joes will keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them! To reheat, you have a couple of options. The stovetop works best. Just add a splash of vegetable broth. This keeps the mixture moist. You can also use the microwave if you prefer. Heat in intervals to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can use canned lentils. They save time since they are already cooked. If you use canned lentils, drain and rinse them before adding to the mix. This step helps reduce excess sodium. You can cut the prep time down to just a few minutes. Simply sauté your veggies and mix in the canned lentils. Absolutely! Kids love the sweet and savory flavors. To make them more appealing, try adding a bit of extra maple syrup. You can also serve the sloppy joes on fun, colorful buns. Let kids add their favorite toppings, like pickles or cheese. This way, they feel more involved in the meal. To make a low-carb version, skip the bun. Instead, serve the lentil mix on lettuce leaves. You can also use portobello mushrooms as a bun substitute. They add a nice flavor and texture. Another option is to mix the lentils into a salad with fresh veggies. Several side dishes go well with sloppy joes. You can serve them with a fresh salad for a light meal. Sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges are also great choices. For a classic touch, make coleslaw. It adds crunch and balances the meal nicely. Yes, meal prepping this dish is easy. Cook the lentil mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Keep the buns separate to maintain their texture. You can store the lentil mix in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick meal later! In this post, we explored how to make delicious Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor enhancements, texture variations, and serving suggestions. Plus, I shared storage info to keep leftovers fresh. These Sloppy Joes are simple, tasty, and packed with nutrients. They are perfect for any meal. With a few adjustments, you can make them your own. Enjoy making this easy dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Delight your taste buds with these savory vegan lentil sloppy joes! Packed with wholesome ingredients like lentils, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, your family will love this twist on a classic. Click to explore the full recipe and make a meal that everyone will enjoy while keeping it plant-based!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

3 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 cup canned crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

4 whole wheat hamburger buns

Optional for garnish: pickled jalapeños and freshly chopped parsley

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender. After cooking, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

      Incorporate the minced garlic and the diced red bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the bell pepper is softened and the mixture is aromatic.

        Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and the reserved cooked lentils. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors to blend beautifully.

          Taste the lentil mixture and season it with salt and black pepper as desired. If you find the mixture is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency.

            While the lentil mixture simmers, toast the whole wheat hamburger buns either in a toaster or on a dry skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, enhancing the textural contrast of your Sloppy Joes.

              To serve, scoop a generous portion of the savory lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. If desired, top each with pickled jalapeños for a kick and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tip: Arrange the Sloppy Joes on a platter with extra garnishes on the side to invite guests to customize their flavors!