Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Or any neutral cooking oil; for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (about 1 cup): Finely chopped; forms the flavor base.
- 1 Green Bell Pepper (about 1 cup): Finely chopped; adds classic Sloppy Joe flavor and a slight crunch.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced; for aromatic depth.
- 1 cup Dried Brown or Green Lentils: Rinsed well; the star protein, providing texture and heartiness. (Alternatively, use 2 (15-ounce) cans of lentils, rinsed and drained).
- 2 ½ cups Vegetable Broth (if using dried lentils): Or water; for cooking the lentils and creating the sauce base. Adjust if using canned lentils.
- 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Unseasoned; provides the primary tomato base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang, classic to Sloppy Joes.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste: For concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
- 1 tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth (ensure it’s vegan; use tamari or soy sauce as an alternative if needed).
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar: Or white vinegar; for a bright, tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (packed): Or maple syrup; balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness. Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild): For warmth and classic Sloppy Joe spice.
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky dimension.
- ½ teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder: For a subtle, sharp tang.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 8 Hamburger Buns: Toasted, for serving (use gluten-free if needed).
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Lentils (if using dried): If using dried lentils, add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Do not overcook, or they will become mushy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Build the Sauce: To the pot with the softened vegetables (and cooked lentils, if you started with dried), add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dry mustard powder. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer and Thicken: If using canned lentils, add them now (rinsed and drained). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially (to allow steam to escape and the sauce to thicken), and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a “sloppy” consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. You might want a little more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or chili powder for warmth.
- Assemble: Serve the hot lentil sloppy joe mixture generously spooned onto toasted hamburger buns.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g