Tempeh Sloppy Joe

Not out of a can, but almost as easy.

I totally missed the boat on sloppy joes as a kid. I never chose it at school (I only ate turkey or tuna for lunch during my entire elementary school career) and my parents never made it. But once I discovered the possibility of simmering tempeh in barbecue sauce and eating it on a sandwich, I was a sloppy joe convert.

This is one of the quickest dinners I can whip up. One day I want to make up a sauce from scratch so I can eliminate some of the sugar, but the convenience of this recipe in its current form is pretty great.

I usually freeze the leftovers in individual portions over rice for an easy lunch.

UPDATE October 2016 - Avocado! From now on, avocado will be spread on the bun before spooning the hot filling over it. It's amazing. It adds richness and also mellows the sweet tang of the sauce, plus the hot/cold contrast is yummy.

The Recipe (serves 4):

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 package tempeh, crumbled

4 oz barbecue sauce

4 oz water or vegetable stock

salt and pepper, to taste

1 avocado

Kaiser rolls for serving

Saute bell pepper and onion in olive oil over high heat until onion is softened
Season with salt and pepper
Add tempeh, barbecue sauce, and water or vegetable stock
Stir to combine, and simmer over low heat 1 minute (or longer to soak in more flavor)
Spread avocado on rolls, then spoon in some filling.

The Verdict:

Overall grade: B

Overall reason: Easy and satisfying. A bit too sweet for my liking.

Time to prepare: 10 minutes, max

Strange husband conversation:

Jess: "I knew it would be sloppy, but I didn't know it would be so joe!"

Me: "I don't know what that means."

Jess: "It's a good thing."

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