I’ve done a few versions of Sloppy Joes but the kids never really liked any of them. This recipe is a nice compromise–some lentils, some mushrooms, some veggie ground round–that we all love.
INGREDIENTS
– 1/3 cup brown lentils, cooked
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 2 celery ribs, minced
– 2 clove garlic, minced
– 1 green pepper, chopped
– 3 cups chopped cremini mushrooms
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1 pkg veggie ground round (340g)
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1 5.5oz can tomato paste
– 11 oz (i.e. 2 cans) water
– 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp Montreal Steak Spice, ground
– Tabasco sauce or Sriracha to taste
– salt and black pepper to taste
METHOD
1. Cook the lentils until soft but not mushy, about 25 mins.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, garlic, and green pepper for 5-7 mins, until soft and onions are translucent.
3. Add mushrooms and oregano and cook for another 5-7 mins, until mushrooms have released their water cooked down a bit.
4. Add the lentils and the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Bring to bubbling, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 mins. If too runny for your liking, simmer with the lid off.
5. Serve on toasted buns (I like them open faced).