CHICKEN & LENTIL SLOPPY JOES WITH CILANTRO SLAW
This recipe is a unique and healthy twist on regular beef Sloppy Joes. It uses low fat ground chicken and lentils as stand-ins for the usual ground beef. Both the chicken and the lentils are high in protein, packed with fiber and low in fat, making them a healthy additions to this recipe. There is also a flavor punch from the cilantro slaw that makes these Joes really satisfying.
SLAW INGREDIENTS:
1/3 C Plain Greek Yogurt
2 T Low fat Mayonnaise
3 T Honey
2 T Cider Vinegar
4 C Cabbage, Shredded
1 T Cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
SLOPPY JOE INGREDIENTS:
3 C Water
1 C Brown Lentils, Rinsed
1# Chicken Breast, Ground
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Large Yellow Onion, Chopped
2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Olive Oil pan spray
¼ t Cayenne pepper
2 C Ketchup
1 T Prepared Yellow Mustard
1 T Brown Sugar
Dash Worcestershire Sauce
1 T Molasses
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
4 Whole wheat hamburger buns, split with bottom half hollowed out and toasted
METHOD:
COOK LENTILS:
Combine water and lentils in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium.
Cover and simmer until lentils are tender – about 30 minutes.
Take care not to overcook.
Drain and set aside.
PREPARE COLSLAW:
Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, salt and pepper together.
Toss with shredded cabbage and cilantro.
Set aside.
PREPARE SLOPPY JOES:
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
Cook until the onions have softened and are translucent.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and cayenne.
Simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Set aside.
Sauté ground chicken in oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
Add cooked lentils and reserved sauce.
Simmer 5 minutes.
You may need to adjust consistency with a little water.
ASSEMBLE SLOPPY JOES:
Spoon chicken-lentil mixture into bottom buns.
Top with slaw and toasted top buns.
Serves 4
