Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
- 1cup brown or green lentils, soaked for a few hours (or overnight) and rinsed
- 2 to 3cups water
- 2tablespoons olive oil
- 1cup white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1green or red bell pepper, chopped (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
- 1clove garlic, minced
- 2teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1teaspoon mustard powder, dried
- One15-ounce can crushed, fire-roasted tomatoes (I like the Muir Glen brand)
- 3tablespoons tomato paste
- 1tablespoon organic brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2teaspoon sea salt (adjust according to taste; how much is needed will also depend on the tomatoes and tomato paste you use)
- 1/4teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2cup vegetable broth (or more as needed)
- 6sprouted grain buns
- Toppings of choice (Tabasco sauce, sriracha, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, avocado slices, etc.)
- Place lentils in a large pot, and cover with water (enough so that there's at least a full inch or two of water above the lentils). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are chewable, but still have some firmness to them. Drain them and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion is soft and clear, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, chili, paprika, and mustard, and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the garlic is quite fragrant.
- Add the lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add more broth as needed. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 15 to 20 minutes (I like thick sloppy joes, but if you like 'em sloppier, that's fine, too!).
- Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Divide sloppy joes onto the buns and top with toppings of choice, including some Tabasco or sriracha for heat, if desired. Serve.
# posted by Chelsea @ 11:38 AM 
