Snobby Joes with Millet Toast

Seriously, who doesn’t like Sloppy Joes? Even the garbage versions taste good. However, since we’re not into eating garbage food, I have a gourmet version that will please any carnivore.

This recipe earned its title because it appeals to the snobbiest of food snobs. There is no meat, soy or gluten. All the fixings are made from scratch, minus the MSG and preservatives typically found in those little packets of Sloppy Joe Mix. All of the spices are organic and full of flavor. Best of all, the not so humble lentil is the perfect replacement for ground beef, because it’s “meaty” and full of protein. The flavors are identical to the traditional Sloppy Joe, but a million times better.

Since I’m a gluten-free gal, I used millet flax bread from Sami’s Bakery. When toasted, it’s the perfect delivery method for this sloppy sandwich. As you can see from the photos, it was difficult to get a “pretty” shot. But who cares, they taste too darned good to notice!

I know that Sami’s delivers all over the country so check your local health food store. And if you cannot find a version as good as this bread, you can order directly from them. It’s well worth it to buy several loaves and freeze them. Look at the ingredients!

Organic Millet Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Water, Aluminum Free Baking Powder, Sea Salt, Organic Grounded Flax Seed, Cultured Brown Rice Flour, Ascorbic acid.

This was actually a spontaneous meal that turned out to be an accidental gourmet pleasure! Hence the less than “pretty” photography. I served the Joes with one my favorite veggie side dishes and avocado cauliflower mash.

Here’s the best news about this meal. I actually made this recipe at my client’s house. She’s been looking to create healthier meals for her son, who’s a very picky eater. After we devoured it for lunch (pic above), she stored the leftovers in the fridge for dinner later on. Here was my text that evening:

“Kim, W** & C** ate 1/4 of the snobby joe. They each had a piece of zucchini & squash. The big hit was the mashed cauliflower! W** said these sloppy joes look a little different than I’ve had before. I just said these were a little healthier… never told him they were green lentils. Hubby got home late and tried some too and he really like it.”"Great job! Dinner was a hit! Thank you ”

I know, I know. It seems the avocado mash was the smashing success for these kiddies, but don’t let it overshadow the decadence found in the Snobby Joes. It will win over the most serious of picky eaters!

There are a couple more things about this recipe you need to know before I set you free. First are the spices. I’ve made this recipe many times, and I can tell you with 100% guarantee that if you do not use organic spices you will be disappointed. There is a H U G E difference. Conventional spices taste like crap in comparison to the more fresh, fragrant organic spices. Don’t believe me? Buy organic chili powder and oregano, then compare. One taste, and you’ll never go back.

Why do conventional spices taste like crap? They’re typically years old, moldy, musty, and irradiated. Yuck-o! Honestly, I’m not saying this just because I’m a food snob; I’m saying this because I want you to enjoy this recipe. Don’t skimp because you want to save your money. Organic spices are a wise investment for serious foodies who demand quality tasting food!

Now on to the tomatoes. I didn’t intend to get so preachy here, but I must tell you about canned tomatoes. DO NOT USE THEM if you can. The acidity from the tomatoes leaches the highly toxic BPA from the cans. Bisphenol-A is a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to diabetes, and obesity.   Canned tomatoes are so toxic, that even the experts won’t eat them!

I want you eating healthy and wise, so I’m going to give you a few tips. This recipe calls for both tomato paste and tomato sauce. Jarred tomato sauce is much easier to find than jarred tomato paste. The good news though, is that one of my favorite organic food manufacturers, bionaturae, offers tomato paste and tomato sauce in jars. You can find them in most health food stores. There are also companies now coming out with BPA-free cans. I highly recommend to check your local health food store.

If you cannot find tomato paste and tomato sauce in a jar, no worries. Omit them from the recipe and use a high quality organic marinara. It will still be delicious.

I am sure this will quickly become a favorite recipe in your household, and I hope you’re anxious to try it. Also, if you have a favorite vegan version of Sloppy Joes, I’d love to know. I’m always looking for creative ways to jazz up recipes, so please leave a comment in the section below. And as always, if you enjoyed this post and would like more recipes like this, please join me at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.