Recipe Sloppy Joes
(Meatless)

Recipe Sloppy Joes

I made this dish for a group of teenagers who scoffed at the idea that they would ever let tofu pass their lips.  However, when the meal was over, the pan was scraped clean, and a dozen young people learned that what they thought was disgusting can actually be made into a delicious, meatless entree!

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Be sure to read recipe notes!

TOFU SLOPPY JOES (Lacto-vegetarian, Lacto-ovo-vegetarian, Vegan)

1 block extra-firm tofu (organic, if possible)

2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 bell pepper, coarsely chopped (any color will do)

1 cup celery, coarsely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced* (optional)

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, pureed

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar (white will do, if that’s all you have)

2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 Tablespoon yellow mustard

1 Tablespoon chili powder (more or less to taste)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions for Recipe Sloppy Joes

(1) Heat one Tablespoon of olive oil in pan and add crumbled tofu.

(2) Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until dry and slightly golden. Set aside.

(3) Sauté onion, garlic, celery and pepper in the other Tablespoon of olive oil until tender.

(4) Add tofu to mixture and stir lightly.

(5) Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low for about 30 minutes, or until thick, stirring occasionally.

Notes for Recipe Sloppy Joes

-You can use ketchup in place of the tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the sweetness and spices. Be sure to use a good quality ketchup that does not contain HFCS.

-You can adjust the sweetness and spices to your own taste, which may require some experimentation.

-You can use your own recipe for Sloppy Joes, and just replace the hamburger with the tofu that has been crumbled and cooked as described above.

-The celery and bell pepper add taste and texture, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can make this recipe without one or both of them.

*A head or bulb of garlic usually contains about 10 cloves. 1 clove = 1 teaspoon chopped garlic = 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder = 1/2 teaspoon garlic flakes = 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic = 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice


Turmeric

What is Turmeric?

The turmeric (found in this recipe Sloppy Joes) is that bright yellow spice that gives mustard its distinctive yellow color and is used in Indian curries. It comes from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant and is sometimes called “Indian Saffron.” It is native to India and Southeast Asia, although its warm, peppery flavor is popular around the world.It is a good source of iron, potassium, pyridoxine and manganese.

Why is turmeric good for me?

Turmeric contains a substance called “curcumin” that is anti-inflammatory, cholesterol lowering, and may have medicinal effects in the prevention and treatment of arthritis, cancer, digestive disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

How do I get more of this healthy spice into my diet?

Although the recipe shown above or enjoying some nice Indian curry are tow ways to get some turmeric into your diet, it is certainly not the only way. In fact, curry powders often have less turmeric in them, than you might imagine.

Here are some ideas for incorporating turmeric into your diet:

You can make tea from turmeric by simmering a teaspoon of the powder in about four cups of boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and sweeten if desired. (There are also commercial turmeric teas available, if you prefer.) Some ginger root may be added for additional benefits.

Add turmeric to egg salad, deviled eggs and macaroni salads.

Add turmeric to tomato-based soups and to chili.

Turmeric spice is a good seasoning for steamed cauliflower with a bit of oil and salt.


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