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- 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium carrot, grated - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium if preferred) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option) - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat burger buns, preferably lightly toasted - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this recipe, I love using green or brown lentils. They provide a nice, hearty texture. Onions and garlic add a warm flavor that makes this dish special. Red bell peppers give a sweet crunch, and the grated carrot adds a hint of sweetness. The tomato paste combines with the vegetable broth to create a rich sauce. Soy sauce or tamari enhances the umami, while maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness. Smoked paprika and cumin offer a depth of flavor that makes these sloppy joes unforgettable. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Want to see how to put all these ingredients together? Check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. To start, take your rinsed lentils and put them in a medium pot. Add 3 cups of water. Bring this to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to let it simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. After cooking, drain any extra water and set the lentils aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat a splash of water or vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften and get fragrant. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This will help the veggies become tender and mix their flavors. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in your cooked lentils along with the tomato paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce or tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix everything well to combine. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Ensure lentils are tender but not mushy for best texture. This keeps the dish hearty. - Adjust seasoning to taste for maximum flavor. This makes each bite enjoyable. - Pair with baked sweet potato fries or a green salad. This adds color and crunch. - Wrap in parchment paper for a fun presentation. It makes the meal more inviting. - Consider adding jalapeños for spice. This adds a nice kick. - Nutritional yeast gives a savory touch. It's a great way to boost flavor without extra calories. These tips will help you create a great meal with the vegan lentil sloppy joes. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can swap out lentils for quinoa or chickpeas. Both options add protein and texture. If you want more flavor, try different types of bell peppers. You can use green, yellow, or orange peppers. Adding mushrooms can bring a rich taste and meaty texture to your Sloppy Joes. Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes are great in many forms. Try them as a rice bowl topping for a hearty meal. You can also stuff them in bell peppers for a fun presentation. For a low-carb option, serve them in lettuce wraps instead of buns. This keeps it light and fresh. To change up the flavor, add BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. This gives your Sloppy Joes a sweet and tangy taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. They add a touch of freshness and color that makes each bite special. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you’re ready to eat, just grab your container and enjoy the flavors again. You can freeze the lentil mixture for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating. This is a great way to save some meals for busy days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the mixture moist and flavorful. It’s an easy trick to ensure your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes taste just as good as when you first made them. For the full recipe, check back to the earlier section! The total time to make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes is 45 minutes. You will spend about 10 minutes on prep. The cooking time takes around 35 minutes. This means you can have a tasty meal ready in less than an hour! Yes, they can be gluten-free! Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Also, make sure your burger buns are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal. Absolutely! You can prepare the lentil mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat it up and serve it on your buns. It’s a great time-saver! You can serve these sloppy joes with fun sides. Sweet potato fries make a great match. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch. A fresh salad is also a perfect option to keep it light. This recipe for Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes shows how simple and tasty plant-based meals can be. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for serving. Multiple variations allow you to get creative. Whether you enjoy them with fries or in a lettuce wrap, these sloppy joes are a hit. Remember, they store well too. Making this recipe can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Dive in and enjoy a fun, healthy dish!

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Satisfy your cravings with these hearty vegan lentil sloppy joes! Packed with flavor from lentils, fresh veggies, and delicious spices, this recipe is a perfect plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Discover how easy it is to make a nutritious meal that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this tasty dish that’s ready in just 45 minutes! Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium carrot, grated

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium if preferred)

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 whole wheat burger buns, preferably lightly toasted

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Lentils: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a splash of water or vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.

      Add More Veggies: Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot into the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften further and develop their flavors.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked lentils along with the tomato paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

          Simmer to Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

            Toast the Buns: While the lentil mixture is simmering, preheat a toaster or skillet and toast the whole wheat burger buns until they are lightly golden on the outside.

              Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and generously spoon the lentil mixture onto it. Place the top half of the bun over the lentils to create a sandwich.

                Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the Sloppy Joes for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also wrap the Sloppy Joes in parchment paper for a fun, rustic touch!