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Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes: - 1 cup green or brown lentils - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 medium carrot, grated - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Whole grain burger buns for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient adds its own flavor and texture. Lentils are the star here. They give a hearty base. The vegetable broth adds depth. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Onions and garlic bring sweetness. The bell pepper adds crunch. Grated carrot adds color and sweetness. Tomato sauce and paste create a rich sauce. Maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness. Apple cider vinegar balances the flavors. Worcestershire sauce gives umami. Smoked paprika and chili powder add warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, the whole grain buns hold everything together, while parsley adds a fresh touch. Gathering these ingredients sets you up for a tasty experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prepare the lentils. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy. After cooking, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside. Next, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes until it looks translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and grated carrot. Cook these for another 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft. Now, let’s mix the filling for the Sloppy Joes. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the flavors combine. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to your taste if needed. While the filling is simmering, it’s time to toast the buns. Lightly toast the whole grain burger buns under the broiler or in a toaster. This step adds a nice crunch and holds the filling better. Finally, it’s time to assemble your Sloppy Joes. Scoop a generous amount of the lentil filling onto each toasted bun. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley. Your hearty and flavorful vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes are now ready to serve! Make sure your lentils do not overcook. Overcooked lentils can turn mushy and lose their texture. Aim for tender lentils that still hold their shape. This adds a nice bite to your Sloppy Joes. You can taste the mixture as it simmers. Adjust the seasoning to meet your taste. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference. These lentil Sloppy Joes pair well with sides like sweet potato fries. The sweet and savory notes complement each other perfectly. You can also top your Sloppy Joes with fresh parsley or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Don’t shy away from adding extra toppings like vegan cheese or avocado slices for a twist. Using pre-cooked lentils can save you a lot of time. You can find them in cans or pouches at the store. This shortcut cuts cooking time in half. You can also prepare the filling in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, just reheat and serve it on toasted buns. This makes busy weeknights much easier! Pro Tips Use Cooked Lentils: For a quicker meal, you can use canned lentils; just rinse and drain them before adding to the skillet. Spice It Up: Adjust the spices according to your taste; add more chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for extra smokiness. Serving Suggestions: This filling works great in tacos, on baked potatoes, or as a topping for rice, giving you versatile meal options. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} Want to spice things up? You can add jalapeños or hot sauce. This tweak gives your Sloppy Joes a nice kick. Start with one diced jalapeño for mild heat. If you love it hot, add more! Hot sauce works too. Just drizzle it in and taste as you go. If you want to switch things up, try using black beans or chickpeas. Both provide a different taste and texture. Black beans add a rich flavor, while chickpeas give a nice bite. Just replace the lentils with the same amount of your chosen bean. Cook them until soft and mix them in with the sauce. For those who need gluten-free meals, you can easily adjust this recipe. Just use gluten-free burger buns. These buns taste great and hold the filling well. Look for brands that have good texture and flavor. You won’t miss out on anything! After enjoying your lentil sloppy joes, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal later. To freeze your lentil sloppy joes, let the filling cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the filling for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw the filling overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the best taste, reheat your lentil sloppy joes on the stove. Place the filling in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. If you find it too thick, add a splash of water or broth while reheating. Enjoy your hearty meal! Yes, you can use green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well. Avoid red lentils, as they cook down too much. The texture will change if you use the wrong type. Stick with green or brown for the best results. Leftovers can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, follow these steps: - Cook the lentils and broth as usual. - Add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. - Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This will let the flavors blend nicely. Yes, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos. Both add umami flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in a bit of maple syrup. This swap will keep your dish tasty and vegan-friendly. To make this recipe kid-friendly, try these tips: - Cut down on the chili powder. - Add more carrots for extra sweetness. - Serve with fun toppings like avocado or cheese. Kids love to customize their meals, so let them join in! We explored a tasty vegan lentil sloppy joe recipe, covering ingredients, steps, and tips. This meal is not just easy to make but also packed with flavor. Remember to adjust spices to suit your taste. You can even try new variations with different beans or add some heat with jalapeños. Leftovers store well and can be frozen too. Enjoy this healthy dish, and feel free to get creative with your serving options!

Chunky Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

A hearty and flavorful vegan twist on the classic sloppy joes, made with lentils and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving whole grain burger buns
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  • Add garlic, bell pepper, and grated carrot to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • While the filling simmers, toast the whole grain burger buns lightly under the broiler or in a toaster.
  • Once the filling is ready, scoop a generous amount onto each toasted bun, top with chopped parsley, and serve.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword healthy, lentils, sloppy joes, vegan