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To make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole grain hamburger buns - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish These ingredients create a hearty and tasty dish. The lentils give a meaty texture. The spices add a kick of flavor. You can add optional ingredients for more flavor. Consider these: - 1 teaspoon cumin for warmth - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for depth - Chopped jalapeños for spice - Corn or mushrooms for texture These ingredients can enhance your Sloppy Joes. Feel free to experiment with them based on your taste. If you lack some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions: - Use canned lentils instead of dried lentils. - Swap vegetable broth with water or any broth you have. - Use any type of vinegar if you don't have apple cider vinegar. - Replace maple syrup with agave or another sweetener. These swaps can help you create a delicious meal even when you're missing something. Remember, cooking is all about being flexible! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe link. To start, rinse one cup of dried lentils in cold water. This step cleans the lentils and removes any dirt. Next, add the rinsed lentils to a medium pot. Pour in three cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should be tender when done. While the lentils cook, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and sauté it for about five minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves and one finely chopped bell pepper. Cook this mixture for three to four minutes until the pepper is tender. Now, add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Include one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with juices, two tablespoons of tomato paste, and two tablespoons of maple syrup. Don’t forget one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick! Add one tablespoon of chili powder and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken to your liking. Toast four whole grain hamburger buns until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch. Spoon the lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. For a fresh touch, top with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve these Sloppy Joes right away with the top bun on. You can pair them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty meal! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To get the best lentils, rinse them well before cooking. This helps remove dirt and dust. Use a medium pot and add three cups of vegetable broth for every one cup of lentils. Bring this mix to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let them simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Check for tenderness; they should be soft but not mushy. Start with the base flavors: onion, garlic, and bell pepper. These give a nice aroma. For heat, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you like it sweet, up the maple syrup. Taste your mixture as it cooks. This way, you can add salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference. For great buns, use whole grain for added nutrition. Preheat your oven or a skillet. Lightly brush the buns with olive oil for a crispy texture. Toast them until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch and keeps the bun from getting soggy when filled with the lentil mix. Enjoy your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes with these tips for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} If you want some heat, make spicy vegan lentil sloppy joes. You can add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Start with one diced jalapeño. Mix it in with the onions while they cook. If you prefer red pepper flakes, add a teaspoon during the simmer. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can easily make these sloppy joes gluten-free. Just switch the whole grain buns for gluten-free ones. Many brands make tasty gluten-free buns, so you won’t miss out. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish together. Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. You can toss in chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them with the onions and bell peppers. They will cook well and add color. Plus, it makes the dish even healthier. You'll love the extra texture and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To store leftovers, let the lentil mixture cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been there. When you're ready to eat, reheat the lentil mixture. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. If you prefer the stovetop, warm it in a pan over medium heat. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the lentil mixture. Make sure it cools completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it up on a stovetop or microwave before serving. This makes meal prep easy and tasty! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You can serve Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Green salad - Pickles Each of these complements the rich flavors of the Sloppy Joes well. Sweet potato fries add a sweet crunch, while coleslaw gives a nice crunch and freshness. Corn on the cob brings a pop of sweetness. A green salad can lighten the meal, and pickles add a tangy bite. To make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes in a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Rinse the lentils and add them to the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the vegetable broth. 3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. 4. Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 5. Stir until everything is well combined. 6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe even easier. You can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Yes, you can use different types of lentils! Green or brown lentils work best for this recipe. They hold their shape and have a nice texture. Red lentils can also be used, but they cook faster and may become mushy. If you choose red lentils, reduce the cooking time. No matter which lentils you use, you’ll still get a tasty Sloppy Joe! In this article, we explored how to make delicious vegan lentil sloppy joes. You learned the key and optional ingredients to make them tasty. We also covered how to prepare the lentils, combine flavors, and serve them nicely. Cooking tips can help you perfect your dish. You can try variations like spicy or gluten-free options, and I shared storage tips too. These plant-based sloppy joes are not only healthy but also fun to make. Enjoy the process, and customize them to fit your tastes!

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! This easy recipe features protein-packed lentils simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, all served on warm whole grain buns. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal with friends. Ready in just 40 minutes, these sloppy joes are hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

3 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole grain hamburger buns

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.

    While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

      Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is tender.

        Add the cooked lentils to the skillet, along with the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

          Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Toast the whole grain hamburger buns until golden brown.

              Spoon the lentil mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, then top with fresh cilantro or parsley.

                Serve immediately with the top bun on and your favorite sides.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4