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- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 carrot, grated - 4 whole wheat burger buns - Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) These fresh ingredients bring color and taste to your vegan lentil sloppy joes. The lentils are the heart of the dish. They pack protein and fiber. The onion, bell pepper, and carrot add sweetness and crunch. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 cup vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste These pantry staples create a rich and tasty sauce. Olive oil helps cook the veggies. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Tomato paste gives depth, while the broth keeps everything moist. - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Avocado slices for creaminess - Pickles for tang - Vegan cheese for extra richness Feel free to mix and match with these garnishes. They let you customize your sloppy joes. You can adjust the flavors to your liking. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. First, rinse 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils in water. This step helps remove any dirt. Next, place the lentils in a medium saucepan. Add 3 cups of water to the pan. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the lentils simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. After cooking, drain any excess water and set the lentils aside. While the lentils cook, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to become soft and clear. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely diced red bell pepper, and 1 grated carrot. Cook these vegetables together for another 5 minutes. Stir them so they don’t stick. They should be soft and fragrant. After the vegetables soften, add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for sweetness. Next, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tang. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mix gets too thick, add a little more vegetable broth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. While it simmers, toast the whole wheat burger buns to your liking. To serve, spoon the lentil mix onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like, top with fresh parsley. Cover with the other half of the bun. Enjoy! For the full recipe, check the details above. When making vegan lentil sloppy joes, avoid overcooking the lentils. They should be tender but not mushy. Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Don't skip the onion and garlic; they add depth. If your mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth. Taste as you go, adjusting salt and spices as needed. To boost the flavor, try adding smoked paprika. It gives a nice smoky touch. A splash of soy sauce can also add umami. For a sweet twist, use a little more maple syrup. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish. Serve with pickles on the side for extra crunch. For a great texture, mash some lentils slightly. This adds creaminess without losing the bite. If you prefer a chunkier mix, keep some lentils whole. Don't forget to toast the buns! A crispy bun holds the filling better. For a fun twist, try using lettuce wraps instead of buns. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} To add some heat, use cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start with a pinch, then taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. I often mix in chopped jalapeños for extra flavor. The heat pairs well with the sweet maple syrup in the recipe. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap out the whole wheat buns. Look for gluten-free burger buns at your local store. You can also serve the lentil mixture over rice or quinoa. Both options taste great and still give you that hearty feel. You can sneak in more veggies for added nutrition. Try diced zucchini or mushrooms. They blend well with the lentils and add more texture. Spinach is another great choice; add it at the end to wilt it down. These additions make the dish even more colorful and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the link above. Store any leftover lentil sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let the mixture cool before sealing. This helps to avoid steam build-up, which can lead to sogginess. To reheat, simply place the lentil mixture in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it warms through. You can add a splash of vegetable broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze the lentil mixture for later use. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to store it in single portions for easy use. The mixture can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use other lentils like red or black. Green or brown lentils hold their shape well. Red lentils cook faster and become softer. Black lentils add a nice color and texture. Each type will change the dish slightly. These Sloppy Joes last in the fridge for about 4 days. Store them in an airtight container. The flavors improve after a day or two. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the lentil mixture. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. You can serve Sloppy Joes with many sides. I love pairing them with sweet potato fries. You can also try a fresh salad or coleslaw. Pickles add a nice crunch and tang. Enjoy them with your favorite chips for a fun meal. Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly. Kids love the sweet and savory flavors. The lentils provide great nutrition without being hard to eat. You can adjust the spice level to suit their taste. Serve them on whole wheat buns for a healthy twist. You can find the full recipe above. In this post, we covered how to make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes. We discussed fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for better flavor and texture. We also shared variations to suit different diets. Finally, we provided storage info and answers to common questions. These Sloppy Joes are not just tasty; they are easy and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking!

Easy Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Savor the deliciousness of these Savory Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes that are perfect for any meal! Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe combines lentils, fresh veggies, and savory seasonings to create a hearty filling for whole wheat buns. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your kitchen adventures!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 carrot, grated

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole wheat burger buns

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

    While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.

      Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and grated carrot, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

        Add in the cooked lentils to the skillet, followed by the tomato paste, vegetable broth, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

          Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for an additional 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding more vegetable broth if the mixture becomes too thick.

            Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

              Toast the whole wheat burger buns to your preference.

                Spoon a generous amount of the lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with fresh parsley if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the Sloppy Joes on a wooden platter with a side of pickles and sweet potato fries for an attractive and hearty meal.