Sloppy Joes (Plant-based, Vegan, Oil-Free)

Sloppy Joes

• 8 ounces mushrooms (chopped)
• 1 red onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can salt free tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1/4 cup date sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce (I use the Happy Herbivore's recipe.)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes

1. Saute mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion, until onions are soft.

2. Add tomato paste and garlic and continue to saute until tomato paste is caramelized.

3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 10-15 minutes.

4. Serve on whole wheat buns.

Try serving on my whole wheat buns.

Easy Bean Burgers (Vegan, Oil Free, and Gluten Free)

Easy Bean Burgers

• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
• 1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans or black beans
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup thick salsa

1. Mash the beans, then mix in the oats and salsa. Let sit for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Form into 6 patties and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, turn over, and bake another 15 minutes.
5. Serve with your favorite condiments.

The Best Basic Hummus (Vegan, Gluten Free, and Oil Free)

The Best Basic Hummus

• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon sumac
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (optional)

1. Blend tahini and water in a blender or food processor until creamy.

2. Bend in garlic, salt, cumin, sumac, and lemon juice.

3. Add chickpeas and oil (or additional water, if necessary) and blend until completely smooth.

4. Serve as is, garnished with additional sumac and/or pine nuts, or add in your favorite flavors, such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.  The possibilities are endless!