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BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe Easy Smoky Tangy Sauce for Perfect Sandwiches

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A quick and easy plant-based twist on classic sloppy joes featuring smoky paprika and tangy BBQ sauce with hearty lentils for a satisfying sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups cooked brown or green lentils (about 1 cup dried)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan version if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 to 6 hamburger buns or rolls, toasted (brioche-style preferred)
  • Optional: finely diced red bell pepper
  • Optional: chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat
  • Optional: vegan cheese slices

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup dried lentils under cold water. Place in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside. (Canned lentils can be rinsed and drained as a shortcut.)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons smoked paprika and stir well to coat the onions and garlic.
  4. Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Stir to combine evenly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat with the smoky tangy sauce. Cook together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Toast hamburger buns lightly in a toaster or on a dry skillet until golden.
  7. Spoon generous portions of the lentil sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Add optional toppings like vegan cheese, pickles, or coleslaw if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer to thicken. Lentils should be tender but not mushy. Use smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor; liquid smoke can be a substitute in small amounts. For gluten-free, swap buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce leaves. The filling tastes better the next day and can be refrigerated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ lentil sloppy joes, plant-based sloppy joes, smoky tangy sauce, vegan sloppy joes, easy lentil recipe, vegetarian sandwiches

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