This week's wonderful Craving Ellie in My Belly selection was Sloppy Joes. It was chosen by Chaya, of Chaya's Comfy Cook Blog. I've made this meal from Ellie Krieger's The Food You Crave book before, but I never stuck exactly to the recipe. I can't say I followed it to the T this time, either, but I came a little bit closer!
Up until recently, if I ever saw beans contained within an ingredients list, I would just omit them. I'm talking mainly about canned beans here. You know, black beans, white beans, red beans. When I made these Sloppy Joes before, the beans certainly did not make it into the pot. However, if there's anything this group has always succeeded in, it's getting me to try something I normally would not. So I threw my reservations to the wind and made this one beans and all!
As usual, this Ellie recipe was a cinch to make. Brown the meat (I used ground turkey) with onions, then add bell pepper (I used green), jalapeno pepper, and garlic. Then, you add in the rest of the ingredients (except the buns, as Ellie helpfully points out! I thought that was hilarious!) and simmer. For the dreaded beans, I found a can of pinto beans where the beans were in a "zesty" sauce, so I thought that would give my sloppy joes a bit more zip. Therefore, I added a bit less tomato sauce, because I knew there would be extra liquid in with the beans.
I used some sturdy whole-grain ciabatta rolls for the buns, served some mini pierogies on the side, and we were ready to eat! I admit, I did really enjoy this the way I made it this time! The beans added more substance without being completely obvious. I thought the spices and seasonings were great, and the jalapeno I used really mellowed out while cooking; this wasn't really spicy at all. I have a good amount of leftovers, and I'm imagining using up the rest tomorrow in some tortillas! Yum, Sloppy Joe soft tacos!
Thank you, Chaya, for the great pick. Check out how the other members of the group made out with this recipe over at the CEIMB blogroll. The original recipe can be found on Chaya's blog, and also on Food Network's site, here.
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Great recipe, wasn't it? We really liked it although I'm sure the meateaters at the table would have loved some ground turkey or beef in the mix. Tough. Sometimes it's chef's pick.
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Love the buns!
I've done sloppy joes with the turkey before and it was good, but I think I like beef better. I know. . it's not as good for me though! I thought I left you a comment earlier, but maybe not. I'm scattered today. Love your photos! this was a great recipe.
ReplyDeleteHaven't made sloppy joes in YEARS!! But I will now that I see how well yours turned out.
ReplyDeletebut WILL probably leave out the beans...
I like the choice of turkey over beef. I think beef is tastier but we are making every effort to stay away from it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you tried the beans. I used Eden beans because there is no salt added. Pure as you can get unless you use the dried beans.
After being out of town for a few weeks, I'm trying to play catch up on all the posts I missed. Looks like this one was a hit with the group and I'm sorry to have missed it. Way to go trying the beans - I'm glad it turned out well! I also saw the Scooby Doo treats you've been making, and they are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLove that ciabatta roll...it all looks great. They were a big hit here as well. Will post this week as I am a tad behind...I think I have three to post on Thursday. This may be my new "go to" sloppy joe recipe. It was fun to see all your ingredients lined up, I have a thing for packaging! Will try with turkey sometime, didn't even think of that this time, but bet it is good!
ReplyDelete