Yield: 4
Vegan BBQ lentil sloppy joes are a hearty, flavor-packed alternative to the classic sandwich. Tender lentils are simmered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, creating a satisfying filling that’s both comforting and nutritious. Topped with a crisp apple slaw for freshness and crunch, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Easy to make and great for weeknight dinners, it’s a plant-based meal everyone can enjoy.
Vegan BBQ lentil sloppy joes topped with fresh apple slaw. A hearty, flavorful plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Vegan BBQ filling
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup packed finely shredded carrots (freshly shredded, see notes)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Autumn Glory apple slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 Autumn Glory apples, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns for serving
Directions
- Add the lentils to a medium saucepan and cover with water by at least one inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are just cooked, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the lentils cook, prep the remaining ingredients and make the slaw.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mayo, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.
- Add the cabbage and Autumn Glory apples, then stir until combined and dressed. Taste and add more salt/pepper/vinegar as needed. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until tender, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add the molasses, spices, cooked lentils, and BBQ sauce, then cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through and thick.
- Taste and add more spices/molasses/BBQ sauce as desired.
- To serve, divide the lentil mixture among 4 toasted hamburger buns and pile high with the prepared Autumn Glory apple slaw!
Recipe by Delish Knowledge for Superfresh Growers®