For Melanie: Lentil Sloppy Joes

As my dear friend Melanie requested, I am working hard on getting some vegetarian freezer or make ahead meals going. Today's turned out very nice as well as being Vegan for Husband's work friend, "Frenchie" I will call her.

Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joes

1 large onion, chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

5 cloves of garlic, chopped

½ cup red pepper, chopped

½ cup green pepper, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

½ 10 oz. package of mushrooms, chopped

1 16 oz bag of lentils, cooked 

¼ cup vegetable broth

1 can of diced tomatoes

2 tsp. chili powder

½ cup of tomato sauce

⅓ cup ketchup

1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (use vegan version if desired)

1 tsp. cayenne

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground pepper

For Serving

Hamburger Buns or Kaiser Rolls (use vegan version if desired) 

Or piece of lettuce as a wrap (for vegan and low carb alike) 

Instructions

Heat a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add in the oil.

Add in the chopped onions and cook until soft.

Add in the garlic, peppers, celery and mushrooms. Cook a few minutes.

Move to Crockpot and set heat to low.

Add in the lentils and the broth to the Crockpot.

Add in the rest of the ingredients to the Crockpot. 

Allow to cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Spoon mixture over some slightly hollowed out kaiser rolls or a large piece of lettuce.

If freezing, allow to cool completely before placing in freezer.

I was very happy with how this dish turned out. The texture was very good and the flavor spot on. The celery seemed like an odd choice to me initially, but it adds a lovely amount of tang to the meal. Again, this meal was perfect for not feeling heavy after eating a full meal and enjoying a non meat filling meal. Plus, very little had to happen to make it, which was spectacular to say the least.