American Cuisine, Lunch, Main Dishes
Lentil Sloppy Joes Plant-Based Delight
Sloppy Joes have been a cherished comfort food for generations, but what if we told you there’s a healthier, plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying? Enter Lentil Sloppy Joes – a delicious twist on the classic recipe made with lentils that’s not only good for your taste buds but also for your health and dairy-free. You can check out my full collection of delicious Lentil Recipes & Lentil Soup Recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Wondering what goes into making these Lentil Sloppy Joes? Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:
- Uncooked dry brown lentils or canned lentils
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Green bell pepper
- Minced garlic
- Tomato sauce and paste
- Yellow mustard
- Maple syrup
- Soy sauce or tamari
- BBQ sauce
- Various dry spices
Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions based on your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Helpful Tools
To make the cooking process a breeze, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Pot for cooking lentils
- Pan for sautéing vegetables
- Utensils for stirring and mixing
- Serving buns or lettuce wraps
How To Make This Recipe
In a pot, cook rinsed lentils until tender. Alternatively, use canned lentils.
Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
Add garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Toast spices for 1 minute.
Mix in tomato sauce, soy sauce, mustard, tomato paste, maple syrup, BBQ sauce, and cooked lentils.
Season to taste.
Serve on buns, potatoes, or lettuce wraps. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Experiment with spice levels to suit your taste.
- Customize with your favorite coleslaw or toppings.
- Lentil Sloppy Joes can be prepared in advance for quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! They’re a convenient alternative.
Yes, choose gluten-free BBQ sauce and buns.
Sure, experiment with green or red lentils.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked dry brown lentils (or use 3 cups canned lentils, rinsed and drained.)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2-3 tbsp BBQ sauce
Dry Spices
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- hot chili powder to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pot on medium heat add dry rinsed lentils with 4 cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain, and set aside. (Or use 3 cups canned lentils instead, rinsed and drained).
- In a pan on medium heat, add olive oil, onion and green bell pepper. Cook 3-4 mins.
- Next, add in minced garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Keep stirring and toast the spices in the pan for 1 minute.
- Next, add tomato sauce, soy sauce, mustard, tomato paste, maple syrup, BBQ sauce and cooked lentils. Cook for a few minutes until all ingredients are combined and heated up. Season with salt, pepper and hot chili powder to taste.
- Serve on top of a bun with your favourite coleslaw, on top of a baked potato or sweet potato, or on fresh lettuce as a lettuce wrap. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Conclusion: Lentil Sloppy Joes
Lentil Sloppy Joes provides a wholesome and dairy-free twist on a beloved classic. Explore this lentil-based recipe, and you’ll uncover a delicious alternative that delights your taste buds. If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Vegan Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
I made these tonight and the lentil filling is absolutely delicious!! Loved it and great BBQ Flavor.
I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the lentil filling and that the BBQ flavor hit the mark! It sounds like your dish turned out delicious. Happy cooking!
This recipe was so tasty!
Thanks Crystal!
Delicious!! 😋
Thank you!
What a delicious lentil filling I think I could use this in a wrap or even on top of a salad!
Thanks Marcel, yes you could!
These lentil sloppy Joes were very nice I wonder how these would taste with your TVP Beef recipe that you have?
I’m glad you enjoyed the lentil sloppy Joes! Pairing them with the TVP Beef recipe could be a tasty experiment. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you!
Loved these sloppy Joes!
Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you enjoyed our vegan sloppy Joes!
Delicious lentil sloppy Joes! I just made your Tvp beer recipe and think it would also make a really nice plant based sloppy Joe alternative!
Hi Bonnie, Thank you SO much!! oh yes using TVP instead of lentils in the sloppy joes would make such a great high-protein vegan alternative. that’s so smart! I’m so happy you have been trying and loving the recipes 🙂