Hearty Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
This Hearty Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Made with nutrient-rich French lentils simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and spiced with cumin and chili powder, these sloppy joes are perfect for lunch or a casual snack. Pile the savory lentil mixture onto warm, toasted buns and top them with your choice of fresh garnishes like avocado slices, coleslaw, or pickles for a satisfying meal that's both wholesome and indulgent.
6
Servings
200
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Small onion
1 (diced)
Sweet red or yellow pepper
1 (diced)
Celery
2 sticks (finely chopped)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
French lentils
1 cup (N/A)
Tomato sauce
28 ounces (796ml)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Whole wheat or sprouted grain buns
6 (sliced in half)
Relish
to taste (N/A)
Pickle
to taste (N/A)
Avocado
to taste (sliced)
Coleslaw
to taste (N/A)
Onion
to taste (sliced)
Vegan cheddar cheese
to taste (optional, grated)
Instructions
1
1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced sweet pepper, and finely chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant.
2
2. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and chili powder, stirring continuously for an additional minute to enhance their flavor.
3
3. Add the French lentils to the pot, along with 3 cups of water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Sriracha sauce, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
4. Reduce the heat to maintain a light simmer and cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid level falls below the lentils, add more water as necessary. Taste the lentils to ensure they are tender.
5
5. Once the lentils are cooked to your desired tenderness, adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Stir in the balsamic vinegar to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
6
6. Serve the lentil mixture warm over sliced whole wheat or sprouted grain buns. Customize with your favorite toppings such as relish, pickles, avocado slices, coleslaw, onions, or vegan cheddar cheese for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
36.7g
Carbs
10g
Protein
8.3g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
667mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes?
They are a plant-based version of the classic comfort food, made with French lentils, tomato sauce, and savory spices served on toasted buns.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for French lentils because they maintain their shape and texture better than other varieties.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils should be simmered uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in the Hearty Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes?
Each serving provides 10 grams of plant-based protein.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it is very high in fiber, offering 8.3 grams per serving.
Which vegetables are used in the base of the sauce?
The base consists of diced onion, diced sweet red or yellow pepper, and finely chopped celery.
What spices are used to flavor the lentils?
The primary spices used are ground cumin and chili powder.
When should I add the balsamic vinegar?
Stir in the balsamic vinegar at the very end, once the lentils are fully cooked, to add depth of flavor and sweetness.
Are these sloppy joes spicy?
They have a mild heat from the chili powder and one teaspoon of Sriracha sauce, but you can adjust these amounts to your preference.
What kind of buns are recommended?
The recipe suggests using sliced whole wheat or sprouted grain buns.
Can I add cheese to this vegan recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests optional grated vegan cheddar cheese as a topping.
What should I do if the liquid evaporates before the lentils are soft?
If the liquid level falls below the lentils before they are tender, simply add more water as necessary.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
How much sodium is in this dish?
There are 667mg of sodium per serving.
What toppings go well with lentil sloppy joes?
Popular toppings include avocado slices, coleslaw, pickles, relish, and sliced onions.
How long should I sauté the vegetables at the start?
Sauté the onion, pepper, and celery for about 5-7 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant.
Why do you bloom the spices in oil?
Stirring the cumin and chili powder in the hot oil for one minute enhances their flavor before adding the liquid ingredients.
What size of tomato sauce container is needed?
The recipe requires a 28-ounce (796ml) container of tomato sauce.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this vegan recipe contains zero cholesterol.
Can I use a different oil than extra virgin olive oil?
While EVOO is recommended, you can use any neutral cooking oil of your choice.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
The recipe starts with 3 cups of water added to the pot with the sauce and lentils.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be finely chopped before cooking.
Does this recipe contain carbohydrates?
Yes, there are 36.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of tomato paste in this recipe?
Three tablespoons of tomato paste are used to thicken the mixture and provide a more concentrated tomato flavor.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 10 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the tomato products and balsamic vinegar.
Can I use red or yellow peppers?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either a sweet red or yellow pepper.
How should I prepare the buns?
The buns should be sliced in half and toasted until warm before serving the lentil mixture.
Is this a good meal for lunch?
Yes, these sloppy joes are perfect for a satisfying lunch, snack, or casual dinner.