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- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 carrot, grated - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat buns - Fresh parsley for garnish When making Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes, you want fresh and vibrant ingredients. Lentils are the star here. They provide protein and a hearty texture. I use either green or brown lentils. Both work great, and they cook well. You also need vegetable broth. This adds flavor to the lentils as they cook. Olive oil keeps the dish moist and helps the veggies sauté nicely. Chopped onions and minced garlic build a solid flavor base. The veggies add color and crunch. A red bell pepper is sweet and juicy. Grated carrots bring a little sweetness too. Tomato paste gives depth to the sauce. Soy sauce adds umami, while maple syrup balances the flavors. Don’t forget the vinegar! Apple cider vinegar gives a nice zing. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. Chili powder can spice things up, but you can adjust it to your taste. Finally, you’ll need whole wheat buns. They hold the mixture well and add fiber. Fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and makes it look appealing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions I shared. Happy cooking! - Start by combining 1 cup of dried lentils with 2 cups of vegetable broth in a saucepan. - Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy. Drain and set them aside. - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. - Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped red bell pepper, and 1 grated carrot. Cook these for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. - Now, add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Mix in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Stir everything well and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 8-10 minutes. This will help it thicken slightly. - Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can serve this delicious lentil mix on whole wheat buns. For a lovely touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions earlier in the article. To make your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes truly shine, adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or a sprinkle of pepper can change everything. You can also try adding spices like cumin or cayenne for a kick. If you want a deeper taste, let the mixture simmer longer. This allows the flavors to blend and deepen, giving you a rich, savory dish. I love serving my Sloppy Joes with sweet potato fries. They add a nice touch and balance the meal. For a rustic look, wrap each Sloppy Joe in parchment paper. This not only looks good but keeps the bun warm and soft. You can also serve them with a simple side salad for a fresh crunch. Each serving has about 20 grams of protein, thanks to the lentils. They are rich in fiber, which helps your digestion. Lentils also provide iron, keeping your blood healthy. Plus, they are low in fat, making this dish a smart choice for any meal. Eating lentils regularly can lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Enjoying them in Sloppy Joes makes healthy eating easy and tasty. {{image_2}} You can use green or brown lentils for this recipe. Green lentils hold their shape better, while brown lentils cook faster and soften more. Both types work well in Sloppy Joes. If you're in a hurry, you can also use canned lentils. Just rinse them before use. They save time and still taste great. To make your Sloppy Joes even better, think about adding spices or veggies. You can mix in some smoked paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Want more crunch? Toss in corn or chopped mushrooms. Using different sauces can also change the taste. Try adding BBQ sauce or hot sauce for a twist. You don’t have to stick to buns. Serve your lentil mix as lettuce wraps for a fresh bite. You can also spoon it over rice for a hearty meal. If gluten is a concern, look for gluten-free buns. They make a great base for your Sloppy Joes. Enjoy experimenting with these fun serving ideas! To keep your leftover lentil mix fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to four days. After that, the taste and texture may change. If you want to save the lentil mix for later, freezing is a great option. Let the mix cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your lentil mix, use the stovetop for the best flavor. Just warm it over low heat, stirring often to avoid burning. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This will help it heat evenly. Enjoy your meal warm on whole wheat buns or with your favorite sides! You can use black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans. Each bean adds its own taste and texture. Black beans give a rich flavor. Chickpeas offer a creamy texture. Kidney beans are hearty and filling. You may need to adjust cooking times if you use canned beans. Just rinse and drain them before adding. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance! Cook the lentil mix and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can also make the lentil mix and freeze it. It lasts for about three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, the lentil mix is naturally gluten-free. For gluten-free buns, look for brands made from rice or almond flour. Many stores sell gluten-free bread options now. Always check the label to ensure it meets your needs. You can also serve the lentil mix over rice or in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious vegan lentil sloppy Joes. We detailed key ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions to make the cooking process simple. We also discussed useful tips and variations to enhance flavor and presentation. Don't forget the health benefits of lentils, which add value to any meal. Enjoy making this dish your own and impress others with your cooking. Safe storage options ensure you savor every bite later!

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Savor the flavors of these Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! This easy recipe features tender lentils simmered with vibrant veggies and a hint of smokiness, all served on whole wheat buns. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family meal, these Sloppy Joes are sure to please everyone. Click to explore the full recipe and make this tasty dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 carrot, grated

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole wheat buns

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and grated carrot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

        Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and then stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

          Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve the lentil mixture heaped on whole wheat buns and garnish with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Wrap the Sloppy Joes in parchment paper for a rustic look or serve with sweet potato fries on the side for a hearty meal.