Make-Ahead Turkey-Lentil Sloppy Joes

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Make-Ahead Turkey-Lentil Sloppy Joes
Photo: Blaine Moats
Prep Time:
1 hr
Heat Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 sandwiches per portion (24 total)

Ingredients

  • 2 32 ounce cartons reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 3 cup brown lentils

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cup chopped yellow onions (2 large)

  • 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)

  • 2 pound ground turkey

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 28 ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

  • 1 6 ounce can tomato paste

  • cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped

  • cup mild chili powder

  • ¼ cup cider vinegar

Sandwiches

  • 6 sesame seed hamburger buns, split and toasted

  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)

  • 1 recipe Carrot-Date Slaw (optional)

Carrot-Date Slaw

  • 2 teaspoon cider vinegar

  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoon olive oil

  • 2 teaspoon honey

  • 1 ½ cup shredded carrots (3 medium)

  • 3 tablespoon slivered, pitted whole Medjool dates (3 medium)

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven bring broth to boiling; stir in lentils. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain in a colander.

  2. In the same Dutch oven heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onions and carrots; cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Add ground turkey and garlic; cook until turkey is brown, using a wooden spoon to break up meat. Drain off any fat.

  3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, chili powder, and vinegar. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 8 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in cooked lentils; cook about 2 minutes more or until heated through.

  4. Divide into four portions. If desired, serve one portion right away (see tip, below). Cool the remaining portions completely. Transfer each portion to a freezer bag or container; seal and freeze for up to 6 months.

  5. To serve, thaw one portion in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer to a medium saucepan. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

To make sandwiches:

  1. Fill buns with sliced red onion (if desired), turkey mixture, and, if desired, Carrot-Date Slaw.

Carrot-Date Slaw

  1. In a medium bowl whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, oil, and honey. Add carrots and dates; toss to coat.

Continue as directed in Step 6.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

288 Calories
6g Fat
41g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 288
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 635mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 8.6mg 43%
Calcium 113mg 9%
Iron 4.3mg 24%
Potassium 527mg 11%
Folate, total 158.7mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.5mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.4mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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