Foodie Recipe: Vegan Sloppy Joes

Vegan Sloppy Joe recipe by Will Holmes

Terry Kirts

Will Holmes Recipe: Vegan Sloppy Joes

(Editor’s note: Switch out half a cup of ketchup for part of the tomato sauce for tangier, more traditional sloppy joes, and add a little hot sauce for kick if you want. This recipe is just as welcome on a bowl of spaghetti or a baked potato as on a toasted bun.)

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups textured vegetable protein (TVP), available at Good Earth or at most major supermarkets
  • 1 ½ cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, diced
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • Freshly ground black better (to taste)

Instructions:

  • Place TVP in a medium bowl and add boiling water. Mix lightly with a fork and let stand for at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or wide sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Add onion and green pepper and a pinch of salt to the pan. Sauté until vegetables are translucent and just beginning to brown, 6-7 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for one minute.
  • Add remaining ingredients, including TVP, and stir to incorporate. Reduce heat and simmer for about twenty minutes or until desired consistency.
  • Serve warm on toasted hamburger buns and garnish with your favorite toppings, if desired.