Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Get ready for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food: Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! This hearty, plant-based version is packed with sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, all wrapped up in a rich, tangy lentil mixture. Serve on a bun and customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional: jalapeños, sour cream or vegan sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickled jalapeños for toppings

Instructions

Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris or stones, then drain and set them aside. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the diced bell peppers and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and water to the skillet.

Stir to combine.

Add the lentils to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Season the lentil mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes on a bun, with your choice of toppings – jalapeños, sour cream or vegan sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickled jalapeños.

Notes

Use brown or green lentils, whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Make sure to rinse and drain them well to remove any debris or stones.

For the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, feel free to customize the size and quantity to your liking.

You can also use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for added color.

If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños to the skillet with the onion and bell peppers.

For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes and a high-quality tomato paste.

You can also add some chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies to the skillet with the onion and bell peppers for added nutrients.

If using, prep your toppings beforehand – slice the jalapeños, shred the lettuce, and dice the onions.

Store leftover Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat and serve.

For a quick meal prep, cook the lentil mixture ahead of time and assemble the Sloppy Joes just before serving.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 18g