Lentil Squash Sloppy Joe’s
These Lentil Squash Sloppy Joe's are a healthy spin on this classic recipe. Lentils are an economical, plant-based protein source packed with soluble fibre, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and optimize digestive health.
YIELDS
6
Ingredients
Squash
- 2 acorn squash (halved, seeds removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (1 tbsp per squash)
- 1 teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon per squash)
Lentil Mixture
- 1 cup green or red lentils
- 3 cups water
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 cups cooked lentils (green or red) OR 500g extra lean ground turkey
- 1 cup (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tableespooon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: 3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
Directions
Squash
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the inside of the squash with about one tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt.
- Turn the squash flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment and roast for 25 to 35 minutes. Flip the squash over and bake for another five minutes.
Lentil Mixture
- Add one cup of green lentils to three cups of water in a saucepan and boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, and drain excess water.
Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Place olive oil on a pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, garlic and bell pepper. Sauté for about seven minutes, stirring frequently until softened and golden brown.
- Add the lentils to the pan, followed by tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, chilli powder, cumin smoked paprika and S&P.
- Cook for another three to five minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the lentils.
- Scoop the meat into each acorn squash and top with a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the squash under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish with cilantro leaves and enjoy!
