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Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes (Zippy Zebra Joes)

Prep:

5 mins

Cook:

10 mins

Total:

15 mins

Dinner

Meal Type:

Level:

Easy

Serving:

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Average CPS:

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups cooked lentils or canned lentils, drained and rinsed

  • Hamburger buns or rolls, for serving

Tools Needed

  • Skillet or frying pan

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Knife

  • Cutting board

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup or brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.

  4. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and mix until the lentils are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

  5. Toast the hamburger buns or rolls, if desired. Spoon the vegan sloppy joe mixture onto the buns.

  6. Serve the Zippy Zebra Joes alongside some crunchy veggie sticks or a side salad for a complete kid-friendly meal.

Storage


Chef Notes

  1. Get the kids involved! Let them help with chopping veggies (under adult supervision), measuring ingredients, or assembling the sloppy joes. It can be a fun and interactive cooking experience for the whole family.

  2. Customize the toppings according to your kid’s preferences. Some delicious additions could be sliced pickles, vegan cheese, sliced tomatoes, or lettuce.

Enjoy this quick and tasty vegan sloppy joe recipe that will satisfy both kids and adults in no time!

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