After so many posts about dessert and smoothies, I finally have a savory recipe to rave about. Meatless Sloppy Joes. There is obviously no real reason to play around with the classic recipe as it is perfect in all its glorious sloppy splendor. However, as I was reaching for my box of cereal, I found a packet of forgotten McCormick's Sloppy Joe seasoning mix and instantly I wanted to make some. Unfortunately having no ground beef in the refrigerator (and too lazy to hit up the market) I was forced to use alternative ingredients (quinoa and kidney beans!). I took this opportunity to make a meatless version of this quick and fun childhood favorite. For those of us who choose not to eat meat or just want an easy way to add some good grains, protein, fiber and vitamins to our diet, this is a great recipe.What you'll need:
- 1 packet (1.3 oz) McCormick's Sloppy Joe seasoning mix
- 1 can (6 oz) organic tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cup organic red quinoa
- 1 can organic red kidney beans
- 4 slices harvest wheat french bread (or hamburger buns)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Step 1
Add 1 1/4 cups red quinoa to 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook quinoa until soft. Drain.
While quinoa is cooking, in a separate skillet, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil on high for 1 minute. Drain and rinse kidney beans and toss in with the oil. Turn down heat to medium. Using a potato masher (a fork works too) mash beans into a chunky paste. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Add the quinoa, tomato paste, seasoning mix and 1 tbsp of warm water to the beans. Mix all ingredients well with a fork. Add more water for desired consistency.
Step 3
Lightly butter your bread and place under the broiler until just browned. Top with Sloppy Joe mixture.
Step 4 (Optional)
Spoon sloppy Joe mix on to a slice of bread, top with Mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with grilled bread and enjoy!
