Lentil Sloppy Joes

Growing up, I probably ate a few too many Manwich’s. They were one of my dinner time staples, especially if I was home alone and left to fend for myself. I loved those silly commercials too, I can still hear it playing in my head. Well, I had completely forgotten about them until one of my new clients mentioned wanting a healthier sloppy joe recipe. I was PUMPED when this came up - because I knew exactly what I was going to do the following day. I was going to create a lentil sloppy joe. YUM.

And here they are - in all of their glory. They are pretty darn good in my opinion. My family and team would agree with you, as I think they ate two batches of them in less than an hour.

This recipe is super easy, great for kids, and makes a fun family night or summer cookout meal! If you’re gluten free, simply replace the bun for a gluten free alternative.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Makes 6 full size sandwiches or 12 sliders

Ingredients

1.5 cups dry green lentils, cooked
6 hamburger buns or 12 slider buns (I used the pretzel bun sliders)
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
1 can tomato sauce
3T vegan Worcestershire sauce
3T coconut sugar
1T chili powder
1/2 T cumin
1/2 T smoked paprika
1tsp salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

You have one of two choices when you make these. You can do as I did and cook your lentils in a rice cooker or instant pot and then add them to a sauté pan with all of the other ingredients, OR you may cook them in a sauté pan and add in all of your other ingredients simultaneously. Personally, I love cooking my lentils in a rice cooker, but both options work great!

While your lentils are cooking, you may sauté all of your ingredients in a medium-large sized sauté pan. Once the onions are cooked and your lentils are done, you may stir in your lentils until the sauce mixture is well combined.
Serve immediately on a bun of your choosing or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Enjoy!

xo,

Emma