Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make vegan twist on a classic favorite, these Easy Sloppy Lentil Joes Sandwiches are the perfect dish! Packed with flavor and nutritious lentils, they are a satisfying meal that can be ready in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup green lentils, plus water to boil them
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, green, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
16 ounces tomato sauce
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
Rinse lentils and add them to a saucepan or pot, covering with water. Ensure the water is at least 2 inches above the lentils. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer, cooking for about 25 minutes or until lentils are tender to your liking, stirring occasionally. Drain the lentils in a fine mesh strainer.
In a skillet, add olive oil, diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Heat over medium-high until the onions are translucent and the green peppers are tender. Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Next, add the tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar, mixing well. Incorporate the cooked and drained lentils into the mixture, heating over medium-low until everything is warmed through.
Serve your hearty lentil mix on buns, styled like traditional Sloppy Joes, and enjoy this tasty, satisfying meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Lentils
Rinse 1 cup of green lentils under cold water. Place the rinsed lentils into a saucepan or pot and cover them with water, ensuring that the water level is at least 2 inches above the lentils.
Boil the Lentils
Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat until the water reaches a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the lentils for approximately 25 minutes, stirring at least once during cooking. Check for tenderness to your liking.
Drain the Lentils
Once cooked, drain the lentils in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess water.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 diced onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the onions become translucent and the green peppers soften.
Add Spices
To the skillet, add 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine the spices with the sautéed vegetables.
Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Other Ingredients
Stir in 16 ounces of tomato sauce, 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar into the skillet. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Add the Lentils
Introduce the cooked and drained lentils into the skillet. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and hot.
Serve
Once heated, serve the sloppy lentil mixture on buns in a sloppy joe style.
Notes
Lentil Cooking Time
Cooking times for lentils may vary based on the brand, so check for doneness periodically and adjust time as needed.
Adjust Seasonings
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Additional spices like cayenne pepper can add heat.
Serving Suggestions
These lentil joes pair well with pickles, coleslaw, or any toppings of your choice.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Rinsing Lentils
Before cooking lentils, it’s important to rinse them under cold water to remove impurities and dirt. This ensures the lentils are clean and ready for cooking.
Boiling Lentils
To boil lentils, add them to a saucepan and cover them with water, ensuring the water level is at least 2 inches above the lentils. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until they reach your desired tenderness.
Sauteing Vegetables
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. This step enhances the flavor of the mixture.
Mixing Spices
Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This allows the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor, making the dish richer.
Combining Ingredients
After adding tomato sauce, dijon mustard, and brown sugar, mix well to combine all the ingredients. This creates a flavorful sauce that coats the lentils.
Heating Through
Once the lentils are cooked and drained, add them to the skillet, mixing them with the sauce. Heat over medium-low until everything is hot and well combined, ensuring the lentils absorb the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of lentils?
While green lentils are recommended for this recipe, you can use other varieties such as brown or red lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Sloppy Lentil Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Sloppy Lentil Joes?
Yes, you can freeze the lentil mixture. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Sloppy Lentil Joes?
Sloppy Lentil Joes pair well with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Are Sloppy Lentil Joes vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it does not include any animal products. Enjoy it as a tasty plant-based meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Sloppy Lentil Joes recipe provides a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic sloppy joe. With lentils as the main ingredient, it’s not only packed with protein and fiber but also incredibly flavorful thanks to the combination of spices and tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these sandwiches will satisfy both vegans and meat-lovers alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Lentil Tacos
Swap the buns for taco shells and use the same lentil mixture to create hearty lentil tacos topped with your favorite fixings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
Vegetarian Chili
Transform the lentils into a robust vegetarian chili by adding more beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Serve it hot with cornbread for a perfect meal.
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Use the lentil mixture as the base and top it with mashed potatoes, then bake until golden for a comforting shepherd’s pie.
Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Add cooked lentils to stir-fried seasonal vegetables along with some soy sauce and ginger for a quick and nutritious meal.
Lentil Pasta Salad
Mix cooked lentils with your favorite pasta, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella for a refreshing pasta salad that’s great for lunch or dinner.
Lentil Soup
Convert the lentil mixture into a flavorful soup by adding vegetable broth and additional vegetables such as carrots and celery. Serve with crusty bread.