These vegan sloppy joes are so good, you won't even miss the meat. Lentils are the secret, flavour-enhancing ingredient.
What kid doesn’t love a sloppy joe? This vegan version uses meat substitutes—available pretty much everywhere—along with dry red lentils that simmer in the sauce, soaking up loads of flavour as they soften. Serve on toasted buns or a split baked potato.
Ingredients for Vegan Sloppy Joes
canola or olive oil, for cooking
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3/4 lb vegetarian ground round, veggie burgers or similar vegan meat substitute
1 28-oz can diced, whole or stewed tomatoes
1/3 cup dry red lentils
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cider vinegar
salt and pepper
4-6 soft whole wheat dinner rolls, split and toasted
Directions for Vegan Sloppy Joes
- In a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the onion for 4-5 min, until soft. Add garlic and meat substitute and cook for a 2-3 min, until mixture starts to brown.
- Add tomatoes, lentils, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar and vinegar. Simmer for 20-30 min, until sauce has thickened and lentils are tender. Add a little water, tomato juice or vegetable stock if the mixture seems too dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Split buns or biscuits in half and ladle the mixture on bottom buns. Finish with a sprinkling of cheese, if you like, and close with top buns.
Serves 6.
