Vegan Cheeseburger Lentil Toast

Experience a bold, comforting mashup that brings together the juicy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the hearty, plant-based texture of lentil sloppy joes. This dish is served over crisp, golden toasted sourdough and topped with a luscious, homemade vegan cheese sauce, making it the ultimate satisfaction for comfort food lovers.

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This recipe balances the earthy goodness of lentils with a tangy, smoky sloppy joe sauce. Combined with the crunch of sourdough and the creamy finish of cashew-based cheese, it offers a multi-layered taste experience that is both nostalgic and modern. It is perfect for those craving a messy, delicious sandwich that aligns with a vegan lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked brown or green lentils (about 1/2 cup dry)
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained (or sub 1/2 cup sunflower seeds for nut-free)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for extra thickness)

• 4 large slices sourdough bread
• Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 dill pickle, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentil Sloppy Joe Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

In a blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Blend until completely smooth. Pour mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium, whisking constantly, until thickened and melty, 3–5 minutes. Add a splash more milk if too thick.

Step 3: Toast the Sourdough

Brush both sides of each sourdough slice with vegan butter or olive oil. Toast in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden and crisp on both sides.

Step 4: Assemble

Place each toasted sourdough slice on a plate. Spoon a generous portion of the lentil sloppy joe mixture over each slice. Drizzle with warm vegan cheese sauce. Top with sliced red onion, pickles, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the lentil mixture is simmered uncovered; this allows the liquid to reduce properly, creating a thick and hearty base that won't make the bread soggy. If the cheese sauce thickens too much while heating, simply whisk in a tablespoon of plant-based milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free bread. You can boost the umami flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or grated carrots to the lentil base. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add hot sauce or diced jalapeños into the skillet while the lentils simmer.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these sloppy joes hot and fresh to enjoy the contrast between the crisp sourdough and the warm toppings. They pair excellently with a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

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Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.

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Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal that proves plant-based cooking can be just as indulgent as the classics. Whether for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering, these Vegan Cheeseburger Lentil Sloppy Joes are bound to be a hit.

Rezept-Fragen und Antworten

→ Wie lasse ich die Linsenbasis richtig köcheln?

Die Linsen mit Tomaten, Gewürzen und Sauce sollten 10–15 Minuten offen köcheln, dabei gelegentlich umrühren, bis die Masse eindickt und die Aromen sich verbinden.

→ Kann ich die Käsecreme ohne Nüsse zubereiten?

Ja, Sonnenblumenkerne sind ein hervorragender Ersatz für Cashews und ergeben eine ebenso cremige Konsistenz im Käseersatz.

→ Wie wird das Sauerteigbrot am besten knusprig?

Das Brot wird beidseitig mit veganer Butter oder Olivenöl bestrichen und anschließend in der Pfanne oder unter dem Grill goldbraun und knackig getoastet.

→ Welche Gewürze geben der Linsenmischung Tiefe?

Rauchpaprika, Chili, Kreuzkümmel und ein Spritzer veganer Worcestershiresauce verleihen der Basis eine würzige, komplexe Note.

→ Kann man das Gericht anpassen für eine schärfere Variante?

Ja, durch Zugabe von Jalapeños oder scharfem Saucen lässt sich die Schärfe individuell verstärken.