Vegan “Messy Moms” (aka: Sloppy Joes)

(This recipe was adapted from HellYeahItsVegan website.) Makes enough filling for 4
sandwiches.
***This recipe calls for Textured Vegetable Protein (We use LightLife organic tempeh-basically
it’s soy beans pressed into a rectangular ‘block’. Check package thoroughly for NON-GMO and
gluten-free label. (You may choose to use Boca crumbles or another vegetarian-based crumble
product, but always check the ingredients! They are often loaded with MSG, gluten, and other
additives/preservatives.
***I ALWAYS double this recipe! It’s that good. (Any leftovers go in the refrigerator to be used in
another recipe; like topping a salad, or mixing in with gluten-free pasta.)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 &1/4 cup TVP (or 1 package of organic tempeh=8 oz.)
• 1 & 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup ketchup (We use Annie’s organic ketchup)
• 1 Tbsp (gluten-free) soy sauce (We use SanJ reduced sodium gluten-free soy sauce)
• salt & pepper to taste
• soft sandwich buns (We use Udis gluten free ‘whole grain’ hamburger buns)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, sauté pepper & onion in oil until it is translucent.
2. Stir in the chili powder, garlic, and mustard.
3. Add water, ketchup, soy sauce, and stir thoroughly. Bring to a boil.
4. Slice the tempeh block into thin strips (this will help it break apart later) and place it in the
   sauce.
5. Reduce heat, cover the sauce pan with lid, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the lid, (break apart the tempeh into tiny pieces) and simmer for 5 more minutes,
   stirring frequently so most of the liquid is evaporated or absorbed.
7. Season with pepper & salt (optional)
8. Serve hot on toasted sandwich buns with sliced raw onions, pickles (or banana peppers)
   and leaves of kale.

***To make these more appealing to kids, we top the ‘messy moms’ ! ! !
mixture with vegan cheese slices (Daiya cheddar or provolone slices) before placing the
top bun on.