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)!