Smokin' Sloppy Joes

Let go of any negative connotations you may have with the familiar cafeteria sandwich because these are Sloppy Joes, all grown-up! French lentils and a touch of smokey chipotle add just the right amount of kick to this gourmet version of a comforting classic.

Vegan Sloppy Joes
By Allison Rivers

Serves 4

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped crimini mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced celery
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup cooked French green lentils
2 cups crushed tomatoes or chunky tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tamari
2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 sandwich buns, for serving

Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, mushrooms, onions, and celery. Sauté for 8 minutes, add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes longer.

2. Fold in lentils, tomatoes or tomato sauce, tamari, Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, chipotle powder, and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Serve 1/2 cup of filling warm on a sandwich bun.

© Recipe by Allison Rivers, MSW Coach, award-winning vegan chef, author of Quick + Easy DIY Salad Bar, The Dairy-Freedom Cookbook, Comfortably Yum, and Co-Founder of The Dairy Detox.

Photo credit: Kathy Patalsky