Lentil Sloppy Joes

If you haven't tried doing a meatless meal at least once a week, I think you should give it a shot! It is budget-friendly of course and most importantly, healthy! Adding more vegetables, legumes, fruits into your diet is always beneficial.

Also check: Lentil Tacos

What I love about this tasty and filling meal is the homemade sloppy Joe mix. I remember the very first time I made my homemade taco seasoning. Ever since then, I was hooked. I think homemade spices are way tastier and no doubt, healthier. I am also in love with 21 days Fix homemade seasonings. You can check the 8 clean eating and 21 days fix seasonings HERE.

I've also shared 9 Pantry Staples that you can absolutely make at home. See it HERE. Now back to this amazingly delicious no meat sloppy Joes, serve it with your favorite wholewheat buns.

Ingredients:

2 cups brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced and seeded
2 tbsp homemade sloppy Joe mix ( ingredients below)
1 can tomato paste, no salt added
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, .inced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, no salt added
2 cups of water
pita bread or hamburger buns

For the Sloppy Joe Mix:
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1tsp garlic powder
1tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tbsp dry mustard

Directions:

Make your sloppy Joe mix. There will be some extra seasoning. Store the rest of the seasoning in an airtight container.

Cook lentils. Put lentils in a pot covered with at least 2 inches of water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer lentils until tender. On a large pot, heat with olive oil. Saute onions and bell pepper. Cook until onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook until slightly brown.

Add the tomato paste and 2 tbsp of the sloppy joe mix. Stir until the spices and tomato paste are incorporated and fragrant. Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir. Add 2 cups of water and the crushed tomatoes. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Drain the cooked lentils and add them to the pot. Stir and you can mash the lentils if desired.