Tempeh Sloppy Joes

After seeing a Sloppy Joe recipe in my favorite cookbook (Veganomicon),  I decided to try the recipe with Tempeh vs. the suggested lentils, and it turned out great.  The Tempeh absorbed the sweet and spicy sauce, making a rich, thick mixture.

Tempeh Sloppy Joes

1            block of Tempeh, finely chopped

½           red onion, finely chopped

1            yellow or red pepper, small dice

1            clove garlic, minced

3            tablespoons chili powder

2            teaspoons dried oregano

1            teaspoon salt

1            8-oz. can tomato sauce

¼           cup tomato paste

3            tablespoons maple syrup

1            tablespoon prepared yellow mustard (I used stone ground)

              buns

Boil Tempeh in water for approximately 10 minutes, remove and let cool.  Once cooled, finely dice and set aside.

Add oil to saucepan, sauté onion and pepper in oil for about 5 minutes, add tempeh and more oil, sauté for 5 minutes.  Add garlic, chili powder and oregano. Saute for another 5 minutes.

Add tomato sauce and tomato paste. Cook for about 10 minutes.

Add the maple syrup and mustard, and heat through.

Turn heat off and let mixture sit for 10 -15  minutes.