Plant-Based Foods and a Super-Delightful Recipe You Should Try

Most of the foods that we consume come primarily from two sources; plants and animals. For example, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and whole grains all originate from plants. Meats, fish, poultry products, alongside dairy products all come from animals. 

For a long time now, animal-based foods have remained more popular than plant-based foods, which have only started to gain traction over the past few years. According to studies,  more eaters are shifting to plant-based foods, growing the popularity of veganism. 

Obviously, there are a few reasons for that surprising U-turn some of which are as follows;

i. More people are becoming aware of the health benefits of plant-based foods over animal-based foods, which can also help you lose weight. 

ii. The growing financial constraints, which are pushing people to opt for cheap plant-based foods over costly animal-based foods. 

iii. Increasing recognition and embracement of animal welfare efforts. 

Now that you understand how fashionable veganism is becoming, how about allowing me to talk about an extremely palatable vegan delicacy called "Vegan Sloppy Joes." 

Vegan Sloppy Joes Overview

Vegan sloppy joes are a re-invention of the classic sloppy joes that are thought to have been invented in Iowa, in the 1930s. The latter refers to sandwiches made of ground pork or beef, onions, and various seasonings including tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce all served on a hamburger bun. What distinguishes them from the former is the animal product. In other words, vegan sloppy joes do not contain ground pork or beef, unlike the classic sloppy joes. Instead, these joes contain lentils, which are equally as proteinous as beef or pork. The remaining ingredients are, however, constant across the board. 

Not only are vegan sloppy joes finger-licking good and comforting, but also healthy with safe levels of calories and a variety of health-promoting nutrients. For example, a single serving packs only 408 calories against the recommended maximum of 700 calories per serving. Also, it consists of 71.7 g carbohydrates, 17.7 g sugars(total), 12.2 g protein, 8.7 g dietary fiber, 5.6g fat(total). The remaining nutrients are vitamins and minerals e.g 376.5 mg potassium, 124.5mg calcium, 78.9mg magnesium, 15.7mg Vitamin C, and 4.6 mg iron. The rest are 0.3mg Vitamin B6 and 92.6µg Vitamin A. 

A single serving can supply up to 31%, 26%, 26%, 24%, and 19%, of your body's daily dietary fiber, carbohydrates, iron, protein, magnesium, requirements per day, respectively. As if that was not enough, it can provide up to 19%, 17%, 10%, 10%, and 8% of your Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium, and potassium daily intake needs, in that order. 

Source: acouplecooks.com

Vegan Sloppy Joes Recipe

Does this sound like a dish you'd like to try? If yes, here's a quick recipe for it. But first things first; here's are some important details about this recipe to keep in mind: 

i. Yields: 8 servings.

ii. Total time: about 50 minutes.

iii. Difficulty level: Easy-medium. 

iv. Diet: Vegan.

What You Will Need

i. 2 large saucepans. 

ii. A kitchen knife. 

iii. A mincer. 

iv. A source of heat. 

Ingredients

i. 8 whole wheat buns. 

ii. 2 cups green or brown lentils.

iii. 1 cup diced onions. 

iv. 1 qt. vegetable broth, divided.

v. 2 tbsp. olive oil.

vi. 4 garlic cloves.

vii. 1 cup plus 2 tbsp.  ketchup, divided.

viii. 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper. 

ix. 1 tsp. onion powder. 

x. 1 tsp. mustard powder. 

xi. 1 tsp. chili powder. 

xii. 2 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce, divided. 

xiii. Pickled onions, to serve.

xiv. Hot sauce, to taste.

xv. 1 tsp. salt. 

Sourcing Your Ingredients

For starters, making vegan sloppy joes might seem like a tall order because of the seemingly sheer number of the required ingredients. Under normal circumstances, shopping for these ingredients can prove a major hassle. But with a good meal kit delivery service, you are conveniently sorted. 

If convenience is a top priority in sourcing your ingredients, either of delivery services can be a great place to start. For those without a clue, some of them specialize in delivering meal kits to subscribers. Normally, the kits contain a recipe plus the necessary ingredients for cooking it. 

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Directions

Step 1: Cook the lentils: 

i. Place the lentils in a large saucepan over medium heat. 

ii. Stir in 3 cups of the vegetable broth, 2 cups water, and salt to taste. 

iii. Bring the mixture to a simmer uncovered until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, or for approximately 25 minutes.

iv. Drain the excess liquid.

Step 2:Make the sauce(you can do this step while lentils cook): 

i. Using the knife, dice the pickled onions along with bell pepper. 

ii. Using the mincer, mince the garlic.

iii. Heat olive oil over medium heat in the other saucepan.

iv. Add onion alongside bell pepper and cook until the onions are translucent, or for about 5 minutes. 

iv. Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. 

v. Stir in vegetable broth, mustard powder, 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and onion powder and bring to a simmer until thickened, or for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the cooked lentils to the sauce: 

i. Add the cooked lentils to the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes. 

ii. Remove the mixture from the heat.

iii. Stir in the remaining 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp. ketchup, and 1/2 tsp salt. 

Step 4: Serve and enjoy!!!

i.  Serve on individual buns with pickled onions and pickles. 

Final Thoughts

According to experts, veganism doesn't have to be bland and boring, especially with delicious vegan recipes like vegan sloppy joes and so on being available? If you have never tried sloppy joes, you have no idea just how much culinary delight you've been missing. This delicacy is not only finger-licking good, but also comforting and satisfying, to say the least. It's sure to be appreciated at the table by your family or guests.