Tips for making lentil sloppy joes
This lentil sloppy joes recipe comes together quickly! A few recipe tips before you get right to it: The best part is you can make it in 30 minutes! It makes a large batch of 8 servings (true to form, since sloppy joes are intended to feed a crowd). Ketchup, tomato paste, and a few seasonings make a savory flavor that’s irresistible. The first time we made them, we loved watching our toddler shovel in bite after bite! It’s a kid favorite that adults love, too.
Brown or green lentils: These are cheap and easy to find. Avoid substituting other varieties (like red or French) since they cook differently. Green bell pepper and onion: These are standard in the classic version of sloppy joes. Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory meaty flavor that’s essential in vegan dinners, we find. Tomato paste, ketchup, Dijon, brown sugar: These ingredients make the base of the tangy sauce. Vegan Worcestershire sauce: If you eat fully vegan or plant-based, use vegan Worcestershire sauce or this Worcestershire sauce substitute. Garlic powder, cumin and smoked paprika: These savory spices form a meaty base.
The recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s a big batch. You can make half if desired. But we love having leftovers to eat again or put on a vegan taco salad. Cook the lentils first until tender, about 20 minutes. You’ll leave all the liquid in the pan when mixing it with the sauce, so you’ll want most of it to be evaporated. You can chop the ingredients for the sauce while the lentils cook. Short cut! Chop and sauté while the lentils are cooking. It makes for quick prep time!
What to serve with vegan lentil sloppy joes
To us, something about sloppy joes screams potato chips! But if you’re up for serving with more veggies (which we are!), here are a few more ideas on what to serve alongside. If you eat fully vegan, in some recipes you may need to use vegan mayo or feta (or omit the cheese).
Another way to make this in advance is to make the lentils and sauce and refrigerate them separately. Then mix together and heat on the stovetop before serving.
Slaws like Creamy Coleslaw, Apple Slaw, Kale Slaw, Broccoli Slaw or Red Cabbage Slaw Potato salads like Vegan Potato Salad or Dill Potato Salad Pasta salads like Bow Tie Pasta Salad or Italian Vegan Pasta Salad Vegetable salads like Cauliflower Salad, Broccoli Salad or Cucumber Salad Green salads like Mediterranean Salad, Strawberry Salad or Caesar Salad
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