Slow cooker veggie sloppy joes
This take on a sloppy joe creates a filling lunch or simple dinner when you want something hearty and comforting to eat. These are usually served in a bun, so feel free to do so if you have them in.
This recipe is part of a budget slow cooker vegetarian meal plan for four. In March 2023, it was costed at an average of £4.56 when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. It is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store cupboard.
Ingredients
- 150g/5½oz dried yellow split peas
- 200g/7oz frozen soya mince
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion (white or red), diced
- 2 small–medium carrots (about 160g/5¾oz), peeled and diced
- 1 red pepper, seeds removed and diced
- 75²µ/2¾´Ç³ú barbecue sauce
- 8 slices wholemeal bread
- 100²µ/3½´Ç³ú cheddar, finely grated
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Place the yellow split peas, mince, paprika, herbs, chopped tomatoes, garlic, onion, carrot and pepper in the slow cooker pot. Add the barbecue sauce and 400ml/14fl oz water – the easiest way to measure is to fill up the tomato tin with water (and this will rinse the tin at the same time).
Mix everything together well, then season generously with salt and pepper. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours. After 6 hours the split peas will be cooked but still retain a little bite and after 8 hours they should be completely soft and breaking down.
Toast the bread until it is really crisp and brown (and spread with butter if preferred). Put two slices on each plate, spoon the sloppy Joe mince evenly over the top and scatter with the cheddar.
Recipe Tips
Any leftover mince mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months.