# Components:
→ Lentil Sloppy Joe Base
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1.5 cups cooked brown or green lentils
06 - 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
10 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Vegan Cheese Sauce
16 - 0.5 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained
17 - 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
18 - 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
21 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
22 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
23 - 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
24 - 1 teaspoon salt
25 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
→ Assembly
26 - 4 large slices sourdough bread
27 - Vegan butter or olive oil for toasting
28 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
29 - 1 dill pickle, thinly sliced
30 - Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
# Method:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors have melded. Adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - Combine soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and cornstarch in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and melty, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add additional plant milk if sauce becomes too thick.
03 - Brush both sides of each sourdough slice with vegan butter or olive oil. Toast in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden and crisp on both sides.
04 - Place each toasted sourdough slice on a serving plate. Spoon a generous portion of lentil sloppy joe mixture over each slice. Drizzle with warm vegan cheese sauce. Top with sliced red onion, pickles, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
