Vegan Sloppy Joes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings:3 servings

Author: Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen

Vegan sloppy joes are so satisfying and easy to make! With TVP or soy curls, these veg sloppy joes have a chewy and meaty texture, plus all of the savory, sweet, and tangy flavor of the classic American sandwich.

Yield: makes enough for 3 or 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
US Customary | Metric

4 ounces dry soy curls or TVP - see Note 1
1 ½ cups water, divided
1 Tablespoon tamari (for GF) or soy sauce
1 Tablespoon olive oil, optional - for oil-free, use a splash of water to saute
1 small onion, chopped
1 small red or green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoons chili powder
⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ketchup
2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon balsamic or apple cider vinegar
hot sauce, optional

For serving:

3 - 4 hamburger buns
thinly sliced red onion
hamburger dills
sliced vegan cheese - We like Violife smoked provolone or Chao creamy original.

Instructions

Place the dry soy curls (or TVP) in a bowl and add ¾ cup water plus a tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well and set aside to soak. If using larger pieces of soy curls (not the small, broken bits), after they're hydrated, either pulse them in a food processor or transfer to a cutting board and chop them up by hand.
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil, if using. Saute the onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes. For oil-free, add a splash of water to help soften the veggies. Add the tomato paste and stir to mix it in.
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, cook for about 1 minute. Add the ketchup, mustard, and vinegar, and stir again.
Pour the hydrated TVP/chopped soy curls into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just getting hot. Add ½ cup water, and increase the heat to bring to a simmer. If it starts to look too dry, add up to ¼ cup more water. Stirring occasionally, cook for about 5 minutes or until sticky and hot.
Taste for seasoning, and add a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Sloppy joe mix is also delicious on salads, tacos, grains, pasta, and potatoes.

Notes

Note 1: Four ounces soy curls=half of a regular bag; 4 ounces TVP=1 cup plus 2 Tbsp.

Variations

- Spicy sloppy joes - Add one diced jalapeno (including some of the seeds) while sauteing the onion and bell pepper. Or add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes and increase the hot sauce to taste.

- Smoky - Add a pinch of smoked sea salt or about ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke.

- Veggie-forward - To lighten up this dish even more, replace a portion of the soy with cauliflower rice, diced carrot or mushrooms.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition