Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! are a twist on a childhood recipe. I loved these growing up! Now, I smother these in cheese, however, if you want it a tad healthier or you would like to make it vegan, forget the cheese! Still totally delicious, cross my heart! I have to say, I’ve never had a real sloppy joe, as I have been a veg head since I was 8 yrs old. I can honestly say that I don’t really think I’d love one. I am, and always have been, a lover of the lentil so this is truly an amazing recipe whether or not you enjoy the real deal. Thinking of what to do for a meatless Monday perhaps? These are your jam. Thinking of alternative or twists on the ol’ classic? Again, these are your jam. I think I’ve mentioned before how my mother told me to never eat spaghetti on a date (me + pasta = hot mess). Well, these should never be eaten in the company of a first date or anyone you are trying to impress. You will less than impress, as you will be a sloppy mess! Sorry, had to do it. Sloppy & delicious. Wash it down with a cold brew and you’re golden. Bring your napkin (or ten) and slop your way to heaven.
- 6 large toasted buns of your liking
- Oil for pan
- 2 cans lentils
- 20 oz (about 2 1/2 C) shredded pepper jack cheese
- (Optional) Some sort of soft & creamy spreadable cheese for the bottom bun - I used cracked pepper cheese
- 1 avocado - sliced
- 1 large onion - diced
- 6 cloves garlic - minced
- 4 celery stalks - diced
- 1 small carrot - diced
- 1/4 good ketchup
- 1/4-1/2 tomato paste
- 2-3 Tbl dijon mustard
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbl brown sugar
- 1/4 veggie broth
- 2-3 Tbl dried oregano
- Hot sauce to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Heat pan with oil and add onion & a dash of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes
- Add garlic, more salt/pepper & cook for 30 seconds more
- Add celery, carrot, and half the oregano - cook for about 5 minutes or until soft
- Add tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, broth, balsamic, brown sugar. Stir for 1 minute
- Add lentils, hot sauce, and rest of oregano, plus any more salt & pepper you'd like
- Cook for about 10 minutes stirring often.
- On toasted buns, spread creamy cheese on bottom halves & add half of the pepper jack on top
- On top bun add avocado and the rest of pepper jack
- Slop the lentil mixture on top of bottom bun, carefully put the top on
- Throw some awesome potato chips on the side of each plate!
- These make 6 large sloppy joes but can be make into slider style buns for a party!
- Serve with a cold brew of your liking!
- I always serve with potato chips on the side (these were jalapeno flavored...yum)!
The Best Vegan 4th of July Menu!
The Best Vegan 4th of July Menu! Is my list of awesome appetizer, dinner, dessert, and drink ideas for the 4th. I love celebrating the shit out of any holiday. Mostly, I just love to entertain. My 4th of July decorations are buried somewhere in my storage. I am going to attempt to find them and fish them out for tomorrow. We are hanging with our friends we’ve been isolating with. I’m going to set up the picnic table outside, serve multiple cocktails, my classic infused party waters (strawberry and mint – and fresh lemon and ginger), play bocce ball, cornhole, blast my 4th of July playlist, and eat and drink throughout the day. We’re ending the holiday with our new and totally awesome gigantic outdoor blowup movie screen. The movie is still TBD! I feel this is a recipe for the perfect 4th of July. 😉
I shot the pictures of the hotdogs and the dessert yesterday. I’ll make them into individual posts at some point. I told my kiddo that I couldn’t find anything with a flag, etc. I turn around and he made me that adorable flag that you see in the berry dessert pictures. Grey is amazing. He made my bed, mopped the house, and made me breakfast yesterday. He’s becoming my little man! The menu below is for a large party. If you are going to have a smaller soiree, pick and choose to make your own menu!
Tomorrow is America’s birthday. Now, shit has been CRAZY this past year – virus, politics, #metoo, BLM, natural disasters, etc. I remember leaving the country embarrassed to have been American many moons ago. I’m disgusted by much of what goes on; however, I have seen the other side – communism, extreme poverty on levels I’ve never seen before – and I believe in the bones of this country. I know it could be worse – like, much, much worse. I am happy to celebrate America for its goodness. I’m happy to celebrate for change and hoping to be a part of that change. I want to teach my child to be part of that movement, that beauty. So cheers to America -“the beautiful” that is. Grill, drink, play outdoor games, appreciate the great, and vow to be part of the changes our country needs. Annnnnddd… watch Hamilton on Disney Plus tonight! Rock in the holiday with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the American Revolution!
For your holiday pleasure, I present to you, “Alexander Hamilton:”
CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE RECIPE TO BRING YOU DIRECTLY TO THE LINK! PICTURES TO EACH RECIPE BELOW, TOO. 🙂
Appetizers-
Red Potato Salad With Hickory Bacon (Vegan)
Buffalo Cauliflower
Mexican Vegan Sushi Rolls!
Fried Spiraled Zoodles – Oh, My! (replace egg with flax egg)
Easy Cheesy Vegan Tofu Quesadillas
Fried Green Tomatoes with Special Sauce (vegan)!
5 Bomb Hummus Recipes!
The BEST Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce Ever!
Amazing Classic Guacamole
Main Dishes- (some of these recipes are from the beginning years of the blog when it was vegetarian, not vegan. I’ve replaced the ingredients below)
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! (replace real cheese with something like Follow Your Heart Jack Cheese Shreds – I use this one)
The Most Bitchin’ Broccoli & Eggplant Veggie Burger Ever! (replace real eggs for flax eggs, yogurt for soy yogurt, and real parm for vegan parm – I love Follow Your Heart)
The Perfect Purple Potato Veggie Burger (replace egg for flax egg and vegan cheese)
Vegan Kale Pesto Spring Primavera!
Vegetarian Chicken Street Tacos (replace Quorn for any vegan chicken strips and replace queso fresca with vegan mozzarella such as Miyokos – my fave)
Sauteed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
VEGAN HOT DOGS (SEE PICTURE BELOW) –
1- Hummus, sauteed mushrooms (olive oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper), garlic chives (optional), tahini drizzle over hotdog
2- Diced black olives , diced scallions, shredded vegan cheddar (I used Miyokos), diced avocado, sprinkle of cilantro, spicy red pepper sauce drizzle OR hot sauce drizzle
Drinks-
Gin Fresh Fruit Fizz Cocktail
Fresh Blackberry Royale
Dessert- (See picture below for how to make)
Strawberries & Blueberries with Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream
Coconut Whipped Cream – In a bowl, use a handheld electric whisk and blend :
- 1 can coconut milk (refrigerate beforehand for at least 12 hours for the best results – though, not necessary!)
- 3 Tbl powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
4 Vegan Soups & Sandwiches
4 Vegan Soups & Sandwiches are perfectly paired for your dining enjoyment. 😉 All easy, all healthy, and all crazy delicious. We’ve been having a pretty mild winter in Portland, OR. No complaints here! Love wearing my winter clothes but have yet felt the need to wear a coat on a daily basis. I went to the mountain to go sledding, soooo voila. Snow fix done. Will most likely go back in March (for my bdayyyy) to go skiing. Hopefully, my Beach Body madness will make me stronger so I don’t feel like I’m dying a slow and snowy death on the slope. Worrrkkk iiittt!!
Sooo… I will soon be posting far better vegan Beach Body recipes than the shit that is currently out there. Most of my soups and sandbos will make an appearance as well. The colored Tupperware totally freak me out b/c it looks like an anorexic move, however, I completely get it. Portion control is everything! Moderation is everything! If only life were that fucking easy. If only self-control was that easy… ; )
Anyway, enjoy the grub! If you have a favorite soup/sandbo combo please, by all means, let me know. Happy Thursday! -FGG
PS- I love this Tribe Called Quest song. It was on my mind the other day…
*CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE RECIPE TO BRING YOU DIRECTLY TO THE LINK.
1. Lentil Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms (Vegan) & The Most Bitchin’ Broccoli & Eggplant Veggie Burger Ever! -(Use vegan eggs, vegan parm, and vegan mayo)
2. Classic Vegan Chili & Loaded Tofu & Veggie Bagel!
3. Creamy Vegan Carrot Sweet Potato & Mushroom Soup & Tofu Tuna
4. Vegan Kale, Broccoli, & White Bean Soup & Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! – (Use a vegan cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese)
10 Delicious Vegan Holiday Appetizers
10 Delicious Vegan Holiday Appetizers is here for your tasting pleasure because: ’tis the season! I’m obsessed with everything holiday. If you follow me regularly, you’ll know that I’m a total decorating whore (Halloween looked like it exploded over every wall and space both inside and outside my house). I. Love. It. Now that I have a kiddo, people assume I do it for him. I, of course, do it for the wee man. However, with or without child, holidays are huge and celebrated in style… decor and all! That being said, I like to go all out with my food, too. How many Christmas’, Hanukkahs’ etc have you spent at your house, a relatives’ or friends’ house, and you eat THE SAME appetizers, drink THE SAME drinks, et cetera, et cetera? I compiled 10 of my favorite entertaining eats for you that will switch it up and impress your guests, vegan, or not.
When I was little, we spent every Christmas eve at my grandma Rugile’s house. There were always bowls of nuts (shelled), and every kind of nut you can imagine. That’s one tradition I keep. Weird that I keep it though, as one year, I cracked a walnut and the shell flew into my eye and scratched my cornea. I spent a large part of xmas eve in the ER. There was a silver lining, my mom let me stop by my friend and neighbor’s house on the way home, and then allowed me to stay up late, pirate patch and all (old school days), to watch the claymation version of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (still the only version me and the little dude watch). Imagine having that kind of resilience as an adult?! Fuck that! I’m a total whining a-hole when I’m sick or injured now! No “Rudolph,” visit to a friend’s house, or late night TV would have me not giving a shit. I’d be whining on the couch with a bottle of wine. New adult formula: whine & wine, a necessary combo for adult ailments. Oh how things change. I also can’t run a 6 minute mile anymore, do a pull-up, or come even remotely close to being that individual I was as a kid… like most of us. Though, I’m feeling incredibly inspired as of late to be in the best shape of my life by 40. Dangling carrot and all that jazz. 😉 I digress, as always. If you try any of these appetizers, please leave a pic and a comment! I want to see what you did with yours! Happy holidays, everyone! -FGG
PS- This post is a day late, like Sunday’s post! It’s been a cah-raaaazzzyy week! We’ll be back on track next week for sure. 🙂 Look for our ‘gab’ post tomorrow!
PPS- If ever there was an epic party song, the tune below, La Fiesta (dual piano Chick Corea & Herbie Hancock – saw him perform last year!), is most definitely it! This video is part 1, and then part 2 will play immediately after for the full tune. My favorite version!
PPPS- CLICK ON THE RECIPE BELOW TO BRING YOU DIRECTLY TO THE LINK
Fried Green Tomatoes with Special Sauce (vegan)!
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
-use vegan parm instead – I LOVE “Go Veggie!” Their vegan parm is the best!
Tofu Tuna
-use vegan mayo (I HIGHLY recommend Vegenaise) instead of greek yogurt
Eggplant Meatballs (Vegan)
Easy Cheesy Vegan Tofu Quesadillas
Tahini Mushroom Dumplings
Vegetable Gyoza Recipe – Vegan
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For!
-MAKE THESE AS SLIDERS!!! Take the cheese out entirely – no need! If you’d like, you can use shredded vegan cheese. I would use Field Roast’s Chao pepperjack slices – SO good! – if I opted to use ‘cheese.’
Super Bowl 51 – Food for the football Gods and you!
Welcome back to another annual American tradition! Super Bowl 51 has arrived. Personally, I’ve always been in it for the food, commercials, and the half time show. Every year, someone explains to me the ins and outs of football… and every year I forget the information as quickly as I had received it. To be fair, typically there are some adult libations involved so I share half of the blame with that little detail.
Since I’ve not had much time, and last year I posted a tad too late, I am reposting last year’s amazing spread that I had concocted along with a fabulous dish from my fabulous friend, Alana. Alas, Alana has remained in Beijing and I am now in Portland, Oregon but I miss her daily, as I miss throwing and hosting parties with her, our tipsy IKEA adventures (click on it for that incredible story), and our weekly “The Goodwife” dates. This one’s for you, girl!
“Super Bowl 51 – Food for the football Gods and you!” 9 amazing appetizers for the big day that are more than guaranteed to satisfy your crazy crowd. Have you been wondering what to serve other than plain chips and plain sliders? Well, here is your answer and some! There is no way, and I mean no way, that these 9 appetizers will not only be crowd pleasers but have people, dare I say it, at times almost forget about the game. Ahh! Crazy! Sacrilege! Don’t hate me. Promise, you will thank me later when you are rolling your guests out the door with their ever-so-content bulging bellies. And yes, those bellies will be food & beer bellies, no doubt. So, start makin’ your list and sortin’ out next Sunday. Go ______! Insert team of your choice. 😉
The list: (Click on the colored link to bring you to the recipe’s page)
Holy Sh#& Nachos! This is maybe the best thing in the entire world. Featured on Food Gawker!
Classic Guacamole. Great to top the nachos with AND for an awesome dip!
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! Make these into sliders for game day.
Cheesy Mushroom & Onion Pizza. Serve as slices or small square bites.
Classic Creamy Mac n’ Cheese. Serve in large slices or as small bites in cups.
Easy Spinach & Mushroom Quesadillas. Serve in small triangles.
Classic Hummus. Honestly, when and how could this ever not be a perfect app? Serve with pita chips, pretzels, veggies, whatever! Make in 5 minutes!
Parmesan & Artichoke Dip. A super creamy and 5 minute dip that can be served with the same options as the hummus!
Mediterranean Pita Platter. Throw some of the already made hummus on here, plus some other easy & quick do-dads, and done!
Super Bowl 50, Game Day, Game Changin’ Eats!
“Super Bowl 50, Game Day, Game Changin’ Eats!” 9 amazing appetizers for the big day that are more than guaranteed to satisfy your crazy crowd. Have you been wondering what to serve other than plain chips and plain sliders? Well, here is your answer and some! There is no way, and I mean no way, that these 9 appetizers will not only be crowd pleasers but have people, dare I say it, at times almost forget about the game. Ahh! Crazy! Sacrilege! Don’t hate me. Promise, you will thank me later when you are rolling your guests out the door with their ever-so-content bulging bellies. And yes, they will be half beer bellies as well, no doubt. So, start makin’ your list and sortin’ out next Sunday. Go ______! Insert team of your choice. 😉
The list: (Click on the colored link to bring you to the recipe page)
Holy Sh#& Nachos! This is maybe the best thing in the entire world.
Classic Guacamole. Great to top the nachos with AND for an awesome dip!
Lentil Sloppy Joes To Die For! Make these into sliders for game day.
Cheesy Mushroom & Onion Pizza. Serve as slices or small square bites.
Classic Creamy Mac n’ Cheese. Serve in large slices or as small bites in cups.
Easy Spinach & Mushroom Quesadillas. Serve in small triangles.
Classic Hummus. Honestly, when and how could this ever not be a perfect app? Serve with pita chips, pretzels, veggies, whatever! Make in 5 minutes!
Parmesan & Artichoke Dip. A super creamy and 5 minute dip that can be served with the same options as the hummus!
Mediterranean Pita Platter. Throw some of the already made hummus on here, plus some other easy & quick do-dads, and done!
15 Awesome Vegan Recipes for the Fall!
So, it’s been a while… a long while. I am making a vow right now that I am going to get my shit together and start blogging like I was doing before summer hit. In fact, I’m gonna blog ten times f’in’ harder than that! Why? Well, one, because I LOVE it! Two, because I’m listening to “Crushing It!” by, Gary Vaynerchuk and I am sooo inspired! It literally makes me want to pull my car over mid-drive and start blogging, writing my book, and starting my podcast. I freakin’ heart you hard, Gary. 😉
Okay, back to the title of this post: 15 Awesome Vegan Recipes for the Fall! I have compiled 15 of my favorite autumnal recipes (appetizers, salad, soups, pasta, cocktails etc) from the archives of this blog that make my soul warmer and happier in what should be called, the BEST season of the year. Who doesn’t love fall foliage, the crisp air, apple and pumpkin picking, tractor rides at farms, corn mazes at farms, all things pumpkin spice, all things maple, and of course, some warm food on a cold day?! Obviously, only the soulless! Click on the recipe title to bring you directly to the link. See you all soon… -FGG
PS- My mother had said she was listening to George Winston’s “Autumn” the other day which has inspired the musical selection for this post. Totally reminds me of my childhood!
SOUPS:
Pumpkin Coconut Curry Soup, Creamy Vegan Carrot Sweet Potato Mushroom Soup, Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup, Lentil Soup with Sautéed Mushrooms
APPETIZERS & SALAD:
Artichoke & Balsamic Parmesan Hummus (replace real parm for vegan parm – GO VEGGIE is my fave), The BEST Vegan Nach Cheese Sauce Ever! (who doesn’t love nachos during game season?!), Sautéed Veggie & Farro Spiralized Zucchini Salad
MEALS:
Vegan Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese, Vegan Mushroom and Lentil Wellington, Crazy Delicious Veggie Couscous, Spaghetti Squash with Cheesy Marinara, Lentil Sloppy Joe’s (replace shredded cheese with vegan shredded cheese like Daiya’s)
COCKTAILS & DESSERT:
A Maple Bourbon Fling Named Rosemary, Warm & Delicious Spiked Choco-Coffee, 3 Minute/4 Ingredient Hot Chocolate Mini-Mug Cake (Replace Egg with Follow Your Heart Vegan Egg – this stuff is awesome!)
