Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes: A Tangy, Smoky Twist on a Classic!
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If there’s one thing I love, it’s taking comfort food classics and giving them a tasty, plant-based recipe makeover. Enter these Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes! They’re everything you want in a sloppy joe: messy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, but with a healthy twist.
We’re using hearty lentils, which not only deliver a fantastic texture, but are also packed with protein and fiber. Let’s dive in into these BBQ lentil sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Packed with Plant Protein: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, making these sloppy joes not only tasty but also super nourishing.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Smoky, tangy BBQ sauce makes this lentil sloppy joes recipe irresistible, even for non-vegans.
- Customizable: Want extra veggies? Want it spicier? You can tweak this recipe to suit your taste buds or whatever you have in the fridge!
The Origin of the Sloppy Joe
The Sloppy Joe sandwich has its roots in 1930s America, during the Great Depression, when affordable, filling meals were a must. It’s said that a cook named Joe from Sioux City, Iowa, first created the sandwich by adding tomato sauce to loose ground beef, giving birth to the saucy, messy dish we know today. Some also link the sandwich to “Sloppy Joe’s Bar” in Key West, Florida, where similarly sloppy sandwiches were served.
While the original version was all about meat and sauce, our vegan BBQ lentil version is a healthier, plant-powered twist on this American classic, with the same delicious mess, but packed with protein-rich lentils instead of beef!
Health Benefits of Lentils
Let’s talk about lentils, the true star of this show for our BBQ lentil sandwiches. These little legumes are nutrition powerhouses, offering:
- High Protein Content: With around 15g of protein per serving, they’re a fantastic alternative to meat in vegan dishes.
- Fiber-Rich: Lentils are loaded with fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.
- Iron Boost: They’re also a great source of iron, which can sometimes be tricky to get enough of on a plant-based diet.
- Low Fat: Unlike traditional sloppy joe fillings, this vegan lentil sloppy joes version is low in fat but still packed with flavor.
Ingredients for BBQ Lentil Sandwiches
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes
- 1 cup dried green lentils or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (double-check it’s vegan, many brands are!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 whole grain buns
- Optional: Coleslaw, pickles, mustard for extra tang, or even avocado slices for serving!
Instructions How to Make Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes
- Cook the Lentils: Start by cooking your lentils on the stovetop. In a medium-sized pot, combine 1 cup of lentils with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until they’re tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Flavors: Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this sloppy joe mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Build Your Sandwich: Toast your whole grain buns if you like (I highly recommend it for a bit of crunch!). Pile on the BBQ lentil mixture and get ready to dig in.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top with coleslaw, pickles, or any other toppings you love. Sweet potato fries or a fresh salad on the side make this meal a real winner.
How to Store Plant-Based Sloppy Joes
- Got leftovers? You can store the lentil mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- It also freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it up on the stove.
More Variations of Vegan Sloppy Joes
If you love experimenting with different sloppy joe recipes, you can customize this vegan version with your favorite ingredients.
- Amp up the veggies: Add diced mushrooms, green bell pepper, or shredded carrots to the pan with the onions and bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spicy twist: If you’re a heat lover, toss in a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce.
- Different beans: Not a fan of lentils? No problem. You can swap them out for black beans or even chickpeas.
- Gluten-free option: Serve the BBQ lentil mixture in gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
FAQs for BBQ Lentil Sandwiches
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, canned lentils are a great option. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using. You’ll skip the step of cooking the lentils, making this Lentil sloppy joes recipe meal even quicker!
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Make sure the BBQ sauce is vegan, as some brands sneak in ingredients like honey. Look for one that’s tangy and smoky for the best flavor, and bonus points if it’s organic!
How do I make these plant-based sloppy joes oil-free?
You can sauté the veggies in a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of oil. You won’t lose out on flavor, but it’ll cut down on the fat.
Ready to Get Messy with our Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes?
These Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy, plant-based twist. They’re smoky, tangy, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but still packed with flavor. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, this dish is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
So, go ahead, get a little messy, and dig into these lentil-packed sloppy joes! Enjoy these with some Vegan Southern Potato Salad or this tasty Veggie Loaded Pasta Salad!
Looking for More Sandwich Inspiration? Check out these Tasty Options
Vegan BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed and drained | 200g
- 1 small onion diced | 100g
- 1 bell pepper diced | 150g
- 2 cloves garlic minced | 6g
- 1 cup tomato sauce 240ml
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce vegan | 120ml
- 1 tbsp olive oil 15ml
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 2g
- 1 tsp cumin 2g
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 whole grain buns
- Optional: Coleslaw or pickles for serving
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Combine 1 cup of lentils with 2 1/2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Toast the whole grain buns if desired.
- Spoon the lentil mixture onto the buns.
- Serve with coleslaw or pickles if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: Add diced mushrooms or grated carrots to the lentil mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Enhancing Flavor: For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or increase the smoked paprika. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder for a bit of heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to complement the flavors and make a complete meal.
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 6g