Savory Meatless Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapenos, sliced and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red onion, diced
• Two cans (15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed OR substitute one can of pinto beans for one of the black bean cans
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
• ½ cup salsa (Pace picante, mild or medium works great)
• one can (15 ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 6 artisan rolls (crusty)
• dill pickle sandwich spears
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (regular or 2% milk fat)

Instructions:

1. In a medium sized pot, saute jalapenos, bell pepper, garlic and onion in oil over medium heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the spices and beans, stir well and heat through.

2. Using a potato masher, smush the beans until they are chunky but the shape of the beans is not identifiable, like a thick mash.

3. Add the tomatoes, salsa, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce and stir until combined. Simmer for five to ten minutes with lid on over low heat to allow flavors to meld.

4. Top bottom half of crusty rolls with two pickle sandwich slices, then spoon sloppy joe mixture onto crusty rolls. Serve with a salad or fresh veggies. Of course, I would prefer a side of potato chips!