This is a simple and delicious Vegetarian version of Sloppy Joe sandwiches using soy protein in the form of dehydrated Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) that I have used and enjoyed for years.

Supplies

The ingredients you'll need are:

1 Cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
1 Cup hot water
2 Tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
1 green bell pepper
5 large mushrooms
1 can diced tomatoes (standard size, 14 oz/398ml)
1/2 Cup tomato ketchup
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 burger buns to serve on

* If you prefer a thicker Sloppy Joe mix, add 1-2 Tablespoons of tomato paste when adding the final ingredients
* If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe mix, add 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar when adding the final ingredients
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The kitchen equipment you'll need is:

measuring cups
measuring spoons
small and medium-sized mixing bowls
large skillet
kitchen knife for chopping vegetables
cutting board to chop vegetables on
can opener
heat-safe cooking utensil for skillet
plates for serving

Step 1: Mix TVP and Hot Water Together

Mix the 1 Cup of TVP and 1 Cup hot water together in a medium-sized bowl and cover with a plate or lid, then set aside to rehydrate.

Step 2: Mince Garlic and Dice Onion, Mushroom and Green Pepper

Peel and mince the garlic
Peel and dice the onion
Trim and dice the mushrooms
Core and dice the green pepper

Step 3: Heat Oil, Then Sauté Garlic and Onion

Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the garlic and onion.

Saute the garlic and onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until onion is translucent and garlic just begins to brown.

Step 4: Add Diced Green Pepper to Skillet

Add the green pepper to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Sauté on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until the green pepper begins to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning.

Step 5: Add Diced Mushrooms to Skillet

Add the diced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic, onion and green pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning until the mushrooms have softened and released their water.

Step 6: Mix Remaining Ingredients Together and Add to Skillet

Mix the 1/2 Cup tomato ketchup, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a small bowl.

Use a can opener to open the can of diced tomatoes.

Retrieve your rehydrated TVP.

Add all these remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.

Step 7: Simmer Ingredients Until Most Liquid Is Absorbed or Evaporated

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, increasin the heat if inecessary and stirring ocassionally to prevent scorching.

Simmer until most of the liquid is either absorbed or evaporated so the consistency is a thick sauce rather than watery (so it won't make your burger buns soggy).

Step 8: Spoon Onto Burger Buns, Then Devour.

Spoon a generous helping of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto a sliced burger bun and devour with gusto!

Introduction: Vegetarian Sloppy Joes