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Vegetarian Research

Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes

These Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes are cozy, hearty and great for a fall inspired weeknight dinner! They’re made with crumbled tofu and a flavorful homemade pumpkin sloppy joe sauce. These protein packed, plant based sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes and can easily be prepped ahead of time.

close up of a vegetarian pumpkin sloppy joe with pickles

I love pretty much all pumpkin flavored desserts, but savory pumpkin recipes can also be delicious!  These Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes allow pumpkin to shine in a way that it usually doesn’t.  These plant based sandwiches have the perfect hint of fall flavor and will be on the dinner table in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Plant-Based Pumpkin Sloppy Joes!

  • They’re made with mostly pantry ingredients – Don’t be scared off by the list of ingredients, it’s all things that you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator!  You can add any toppings you like to the sloppy joes though, for freshness.
  • They’re perfect for fall – Now that the weather is cooling down, flavorful and hearty meals are on my mind!  These pumpkin sloppy joes have a subtle seasonal flavor and they will fill you up.  Serve with fries or veggies.
  • They’re full of flavor – There’s so much flavor in this pumpkin sloppy joe sauce!  It’s loaded up with spices that give it a cozy, seasonal flavor, including cinnamon, cumin and chili powder.

showing how to crumble the super firm tofu to resemble sloppy joe meat

Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joe Recipe Ingredients

  • Tofu – I like to use super firm, pre-pressed tofu that I buy at Trader Joe’s or Sprouts.  This tofu usually has higher protein and the texture is great.  If you can’t find super firm, you can use extra firm.  Just make sure you press as much liquid out of it as you can.
  • Onion & Garlic – Onion and garlic make a great base for so many different recipes.  They’re aromatics and they add lots of flavor.
  • Pumpkin Sauce – The pumpkin sloppy joe sauce does have quite a few ingredients, but hopefully most of them are already in your pantry!  Ingredients include: marinara sauce, pumpkin puree, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, tamari and a few others, listed in the recipe.
  • Buns – Use any kind of buns you like for these sloppy joes.  If you prefer not to use a bun, you could make lettuce wraps or bowls with the filling.
  • Additional Toppings – I just enjoyed my sloppy joe with some thick cut dill pickle slices.  Coleslaw would also be great!

showing how to cook up the tofu and add in the pumpkin sloppy joe sauce

How To Make Easy Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s

  1. Pat tofu dry and press out any excess liquid with a tofu press, if needed.  I like to use super firm tofu that doesn’t require any pressing.  Use your hands to crumble the blocks of tofu into small pieces that resemble sloppy joe meat.  Set tofu aside.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes, until onions have softened and then add in the minced garlic.  Cook for another minute, until garlic is fragrant.
  3. Next, add in the crumbled tofu and mix everything together well and allow the tofu to cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add in the  pumpkin puree, marinara sauce, ketchup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, regular paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano and cinnamon (basically all the remaining ingredients)  Mix everything together and let cook for 3-5 minutes, on low heat, to let the flavors develop.
  5. Toast your hamburger buns, if desired, and then add a couple big spoonfuls of the pumpkin sloppy joe mixture on.  Add any additional toppings you like and enjoy!

close up of plant based pumpkin sloppy joe mixture on a spoon

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This recipe is vegan.
  • Make this recipe gluten free by using a gluten free hamburger bun.
  • Is this pumpkin sloppy joe recipe sweet?  No, not really.  There is some maple syrup and cinnamon added, but I feel that it has more of a savory pumpkin flavor.
  • Can the tofu be substituted?  Yes, you can substitute the tofu with tempeh or any type of bean you like.  Chickpeas work great in this recipe.  You can also use a mix of both tofu and chickpeas.
  • How long do leftovers last?  If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.  Re-heat sloppy joe mixture in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
  • Is the sloppy joe mixture freezer friendly?  Yes, this is a great freezer recipe!  Allow mixture to cool completely before storing in a freezer friendly container for up to 3 months.

Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!

close up of a hand holding a pumpkin sloppy joe with pickles

Looking For More Vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes?

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans

Pumpkin Skillet Enchiladas

Vegan Pumpkin Queso Dip

Vegan One Pot Pumpkin Curry

Zesty Pumpkin Mac N Cheese

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Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews


  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    30 minutes


  • Yield:
    6-8
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes are cozy, hearty and great for a fall inspired weeknight dinner! They’re made with crumbled tofu and a flavorful homemade pumpkin sloppy joe sauce. These protein packed, plant based sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes and can easily be prepped ahead of time.


Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (16 oz) packages super firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons tamari
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or more if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 68 hamburger buns



Instructions

  1. Pat tofu dry and press out any excess liquid with a tofu press, if needed.  I like to use super firm tofu that doesn’t require any pressing.  Use your hands to crumble the blocks of tofu into small pieces that resemble sloppy joe meat.  Set tofu aside.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion and the crumbled tofu.  Cook for about 5 minutes, until onions have softened and tofu is golden brown.  Add in the garlic and cook for another minute, until garlic is fragrant.
  3. Next, add in the pumpkin puree and marinara sauce.  Mix together well and then add in the ketchup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, regular paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper (basically all the remaining ingredients).  Mix everything together and let cook for 3-5 minutes, on low heat, to let the flavors develop.
  4. Toast your hamburger buns, if desired, and then add a couple big spoonfuls of the pumpkin sloppy joe mixture on.  Add any additional toppings you like and enjoy!

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Vegetarian, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

The post Vegetarian Pumpkin Sloppy Joes appeared first on She Likes Food.

Vegetarian Research

Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad

This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad is light, refreshing, and super versatile! Enjoy it as a veggie side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. This healthy salad comes together quickly and requires just a few ingredients. It’s great for hot summer picnics and cold winter afternoons.

cilantro lime cabbage salad in a serving bowl

I know coleslaw is typically a dish served in the summertime, but cabbage and limes are in season this month! I’m calling this recipe a Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad, although it’s similar to a slaw. This zesty winter salad will brighten up any meal you add it to. It’s great by itself as a snack or side dish and can also be enjoyed as a topping for all your Mexican-inspired meals.

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cabbage Salad Recipe

  • It’s easy to make – The dressing comes together quickly in the blender, and if you have a food processor or mandolin, the cabbage can also be shredded quickly. I like to let my salad sit for a bit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop, but you can also enjoy it right away.
  • It’s flavorful and refreshing – Cabbage is already cool and refreshing, but adding the cilantro and lime flavors takes it to the next level. I enjoy this salad anytime, but it’s especially great for a summer BBQ.
  • It’s versatile – This cabbage salad is similar to a slaw and can be used similarly. I enjoy this salad as a side dish, but I also like to eat it on tacos or with beans and rice. It adds a cool and refreshing bite to everything you add it to.

showing how to make the cilantro lime dressing in a blender

Why Your Body Will Love This Recipe

  • Reduced Inflammation – Cabbage is high in antioxidants, which are substances that can help delay or prevent cell damage. Antioxidants are important because they help reduce inflammation inside the body and improve the immune system. Excess inflammation in the body can be responsible for all kinds of sicknesses, including cancer and heart disease.
  • Digestive Health – Cabbage is in the Crusifers family, along with broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Some people are extra sensitive to these veggies and develop gas and bloating after eating them. However, they’re full of fiber, which really helps digestion run smoothly. Cabbage is also a low-calorie food, but a little goes a long way toward helping our bodies feel full for longer.
  • Diabetes Management – Please check with your doctor before adding cilantro to your diet if you have diabetes or low blood sugar levels.  Cilantro, or coriander, can help reduce blood sugar by stimulating an enzyme that removes sugar from the blood.

green cabbage shredded in a bowl

Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad Recipe Ingredients

  • Cabbage – I used one medium-sized head of green cabbage for this recipe. I love cabbage because it’s crunchy and refreshing. You could also use purple or napa cabbage. Of course, if you go the purple route, it will change the look of this salad.
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing – This homemade dressing is packed full of flavor and takes no time to whip together. It uses cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, dijon mustard, maple syrup, cumin and salt. If you don’t like cilantro, I suggest using parsley in its place.

mixing the cilantro lime dressing into the shredded cabbage

How To Make This Crunchy Cabbage Salad

  1. Cut the stalk of the cabbage off and peel off a few of the outer layers. Thinly shred the entire head of cabbage and add it to a large bowl. You can shred your cabbage using a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor.
  2. Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy and completely combined, 30 seconds – 1 minute. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix together well until the cabbage is completely coated with the dressing.
  3. Add in about 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and mix well. You can enjoy salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Enjoy as a side salad, as a topping for tacos, or with tortilla chips.

close up of a bowl of cilantro lime coleslaw

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This recipe is already vegan and gluten-free.
  • Can I use a substitute in place of cilantro? Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can use parsley instead.
  • What is the best type of cabbage for this recipe? I used green cabbage, which worked great, but you can also use napa or purple cabbage if you like.
  • How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.
  • How should this recipe be enjoyed? I like to eat this cabbage salad as a side dish or afternoon snack. You can also use it like you would any kind of slaw (tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more).

Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will reply ASAP!

close up of this refreshing cilantro lime slaw in a serving bowl

Looking For More Hearty Cabbage Recipes?

Fried Cabbage and Noodles with Tofu

Chickpea Salad with Cucumber and Cabbage

Noodles with Cabbage and Carrots

Asian Inspired Crunchy Cabbage Salad

Creamy Southwestern Chopped Cabbage Salad,

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Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews


  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    20 minutes


  • Yield:
    6-8
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad is light, refreshing and super versatile! Enjoy as a veggie side dish, or use it as a topping for tacos, salads, sandwiches and more. This healthy salad comes together quickly and only requires a few ingredients. It’s great for hot summer picnics, as well as cold winter afternoons.


Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized head green cabbage, about 68 cups once shredded

Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2 cup packed cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (I used about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper



Instructions

  1. Cut the stalk of the cabbage off and then peel a few of the outer layers off.  Thinly shred the entire head of cabbage and then add to a large bowl.  You can shred your cabbage using a sharp knife, mandolin or food processor.
  2. Add all of the dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy and completely combined, 30 seconds – 1 minute.  Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mix together well, until cabbage is completely coated with dressing.
  3. Add in about 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and mix well.  You can enjoy salad immediately, or store in the refrigerator for a couple hours to allow the flavors to develop.  Store in an air-tight container, in the refrigerator, for 4-5 days.  Enjoy as a side salad, as a topping for tacos or enjoy with tortilla chips.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Side, Vegan
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

The post Cilantro Lime Cabbage Salad appeared first on She Likes Food.

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