Vegan Sloppy Joes With Sweet Potato Wedges

Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering, plant-based feast that satisfies both your taste buds and your conscience. Enter “Vegan Sloppy Joes With Sweet Potato Wedges,” a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients that will leave you craving for more. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce, these Sloppy Joes offer a guilt-free alternative to the classic comfort food. And when paired with crispy, oven-baked sweet potato wedges, this culinary creation becomes an irresistible masterpiece. Get ready to tantalize your senses and embrace the deliciousness of vegan cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Sloppy Joes:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns or lettuce wraps, for serving

For the Sweet Potato Wedges:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Making the Vegan Sloppy Joes:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the cooked lentils, black beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
5. If the mixture starts to dry out, you can add a little water or vegetable broth to keep it moist.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. While the sloppy joes are simmering, prepare the sweet potato wedges.

Making the Sweet Potato Wedges:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the wedges out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wedges are golden brown and crispy.

Assembly

1. Once the vegan sloppy joes and sweet potato wedges are ready, it’s time to assemble your meal.
2. If you prefer a traditional sloppy joe, lightly toast some burger buns. Alternatively, if you want a lighter option, you can use lettuce wraps as a gluten-free and low-carb alternative.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the vegan sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun or lettuce wrap.
4. Top with sweet potato wedges to add a delicious and nutritious twist to your meal.
5. Optionally, you can add your favorite toppings such as vegan cheese, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips

• If you don’t have cooked lentils and black beans, you can use canned ones. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the skillet.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more cumin and paprika for a smokier flavor, or even a pinch of chili powder for some heat.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar to the sloppy joe mixture.
• To make the sweet potato wedges even crispier, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps remove some of the starch and results in a crunchier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the sweet potato wedges. Leave enough space between the wedges to ensure they get crispy on all sides.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Once assembled, serve the vegan sloppy joes with sweet potato wedges immediately.
2. These make a satisfying and delicious meal on their own, but you can also pair them with a side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete and balanced dinner.
3. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures, from the hearty and flavorful sloppy joe filling to the crispy and savory sweet potato wedges.

Conclusion

Vegan Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato Wedges provide a wholesome and satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious. By using lentils and black beans as the base for the sloppy joe filling, you get a good dose of plant-based protein and fiber. The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a variety of spices adds depth and flavor to the dish. Pairing these flavorful sloppy joes with crispy and savory sweet potato wedges elevates the meal to a whole new level. Whether you serve it on a burger bun or in a lettuce wrap, this vegan twist on a classic comfort food is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple preparation steps, and enjoy a tasty and wholesome vegan meal that everyone will love.