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30-Minute Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

This 30-Minute Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious and hearty vegan twist on a classic comfort food. Using protein-packed French lentils simmered to tenderness and then combined with a flavorful medley of sautéed onions, green bell peppers, garlic, smoky spices, and a tangy tomato-based sauce, these sloppy joes are perfect for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Served on warm hamburger buns and topped with your favorite condiments like pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw, this dish is both easy to prepare and full of bold flavors.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Lentils and Broth

  • 1 cup (215 grams) Dry French Lentils (*see note)
  • 4 cups (815 grams) Water
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (divided)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 cups (245 grams) Yellow Onion (medium diced, about 1 medium onion)
  • 2 cups (230 grams) Green Bell Pepper (medium diced, about 1 large pepper)
  • 2 Large Cloves of Garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (coconut or olive oil recommended)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoky Paprika
  • 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 1/2 cups (426 grams) Tomato Sauce (or 1 can)
  • 1 tablespoon Pickle Juice (or other pickling brine like olive brine)
  • 2 teaspoons Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons Maple Syrup (or more to taste)

To Serve

  • Hamburger Buns
  • Pickles, Tabasco, quick pickled onions, jalapeños, extra mustard, coleslaw (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Cook Lentils: In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, water, and 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer uncovered for 20-22 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Peppers: While the lentils are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onions and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the onions. Add the diced green bell peppers during the last 7-8 minutes of cooking and continue to soften them, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add Spices and Sauces: To the softened onions and peppers, add the minced garlic, chili powder, smoky paprika, and 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly and cook on low heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Next, incorporate the tomato paste, tomato sauce, pickle juice, vegan Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and maple syrup, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Combine Lentils and Simmer: Add the cooked lentils to the sauté pan with the sauce and vegetables. Stir well to mix and continue to cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
  5. Serve: Warm the hamburger buns and spoon the tangy lentil sloppy joe mixture generously onto each bun. Serve with your choice of condiments such as pickles, Tabasco, pickled onions, jalapeños, extra mustard, or coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
  6. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze the sloppy joe mixture for up to two weeks. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

  • *French lentils hold their shape well and are preferred for this recipe, but other lentil types can be used adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Pickle juice adds a nice tangy flavor balance, but you can substitute with olive brine or apple cider vinegar if preferred.
  • Adjust maple syrup to taste for sweetness balance depending on your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve sloppy joes on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
  • Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste, adding heat or crunch.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/30-minute-tangy-lentil-sloppy-joes-recipe-2/