Sloppy Janes Recipe

Here is my Sloppy Joes recipe. I actually call them Sloppy Janes; they are a vegetarian and vegetable-laden counterpoint to Joe! Kids love them and they are slow cooker friendly!

VEGETARIAN SLOPPY JOES AKA SLOPPY JANES

• 1 Tbsp Molasses
• 1-3/4 cups Water (hot)
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Onions medium-sized, chopped
• 1/2 pound Carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks Celery, chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper medium-sized, cored, seeded and chopped
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 can Tomato Paste (6 oz can)
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Allspice 
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce, Braggs Amino Acids or Soy Sauce 
• 2 cups TVP® (Textured Vegetable Protein) you can also use meat or cooked lentils

Directions

In a medium bowl combine the hot water with the 2 cups TVP. Set aside while preparing the chopped onion, celery, carrots and green pepper.

Heat a nonstick skillet, add the olive oil and quickly saute the chopped onion, green pepper, carrots, celery and minced garlic. Cook until onion is slightly translucent and green pepper has softened slightly. Add the TVP.

Mix the tomato paste with the can of tomatoes and seasonings and stir into the skillet. Bring to a boil, taste and add salt if desired. Sauce should be thick, but spreadable; add a little more water if needed.

Spoon sauce on bottom half of split roll, hot dog bun or a cornbread pancake. Pile on lettuce and cheese (if desired) and top with other half of bread.