Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

This is a simple and delicious Vegetarian version of Sloppy Joe sandwiches using soy protein in the form of dehydrated Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) that I have used and enjoyed for years.

The ingredients you'll need are:

• 1 Cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
• 1 Cup hot water
• 2 Tablespoon canola oil
  
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 green bell pepper
• 5 large mushrooms
• 1 can diced tomatoes (standard size, 14 oz/398ml)
• 1/2 Cup tomato ketchup
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 burger buns to serve on

* If you prefer a thicker Sloppy Joe mix, add 1-2 Tablespoons of tomato paste when adding the final ingredients
* If you prefer a sweeter Sloppy Joe mix, add 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar when adding the final ingredients
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The kitchen equipment you'll need is:

• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• small and medium-sized mixing bowls
• large skillet
• kitchen knife for chopping vegetables
• cutting board to chop vegetables on
• can opener
• heat-safe cooking utensil for skillet
• plates for serving

Mix the 1 Cup of TVP and 1 Cup hot water together in a medium-sized bowl and cover with a plate or lid, then set aside to rehydrate.

• Peel and mince the garlic
• Peel and dice the onion
• Trim and dice the mushrooms
• Core and dice the green pepper

Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the garlic and onion.

Saute the garlic and onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until onion is translucent and garlic just begins to brown.

Add the green pepper to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Sauté on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until the green pepper begins to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning.

Add the diced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic, onion and green pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning until the mushrooms have softened and released their water.

Mix the 1/2 Cup tomato ketchup, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a small bowl.

Use a can opener to open the can of diced tomatoes.

Retrieve your rehydrated TVP.

Add all these remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, increasin the heat if inecessary and stirring ocassionally to prevent scorching.

Simmer until most of the liquid is either absorbed or evaporated so the consistency is a thick sauce rather than watery (so it won't make your burger buns soggy).

Spoon a generous helping of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto a sliced burger bun and devour with gusto!