Meat-Free Mondays - Sloppy Joes
Posted on May 19, 2008 by
If you’re not someone who likes to spend a lot to time in the kitchen, making a meat-free meal can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Fantastic Foods Sloppy Joe mix is, sadly, not wheat-free. But in my wheat-eating days, this was a favorite staple in our house. All you need is the mix, a can of tomato paste, and some hamburger rolls. When we were feeling really fancy, we’d dress up our Joes with some sliced black olives and American cheese.
This is also a great intro to meat-free meals, if you have a reluctant spouse, kid, or friend. It’s made with textured vegetable protein (or TVP), which is a whole lot better than it sounds like it would be, and basically just takes on the flavor of what you cook it with (even more so than tofu).
If you want to put a little more work into it, this recipe could be easily turned gluten-free by using Bragg’s Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce. Double check that the TVP you purchase is gluten-free. And, of course use gluten-free bread or rolls.In a time of rising grocery prices, this is a good, cheap, meat-free meal solution.
I’m a fan of their chili mix, too. Good stuff.
“In a time of rising grocery prices, this is a good, cheap, meat-free meal solution.”
This is SUCH a good point, and I wish more people would make it—what’s best for the planet is usually best for the wallet, too. I think the one benefit of our current economy is that it’s forcing people to make more eco-friendly changes. I just read on the NY Times the other day that small car sales have surpassed SUV sales for the first time since the gas-guzzlers got trendy. Here’s hoping people stick to these better habits once the economy improves!
sounds good !
I have so been craving some SJs lately. I’ll have to try this.
I’ll check this out! Thanks!
We love this brand of veggie sloppy joes! Mmm. Now I know what to make for dinner. Thanks, Allie!
I wish I could eat these! Sigh. They were so so good.
Amy — that’s a great point — I’ve noticed that belt tightening isn’t always a bad thing - I mean it stinks to HAVE to do it, but frugality is often eco-friendly. I’ve seen a lot of articles lately about saving money on groceries and a lot of them suggest shopping at your local farmer’s market.