Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

The homemade healthy vegan lentil barbecue sandwich with slaw is a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional barbecue sandwiches. Packed with protein-rich lentils, crisp vegetables, and a tangy barbecue sauce, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, or casual gatherings. It is also highly customisable – add pickles, avocado, jalapeños, or extra greens.

Ingredients

For the lentil barbecue filling:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the slaw:

• 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
• ¼ cup red or white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembly:

• 4 whole-grain or brioche-style vegan burger buns
• Optional: sliced pickles, jalapeños, or fresh lettuce

Method

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly. Place them in a saucepan with water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the cooked lentils, barbecue sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thick.
5. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and onion.
6. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables and toss well.
7. Toast the buns lightly if desired.
8. Spoon a generous amount of the barbecue lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
9. Top with a handful of fresh slaw and any optional toppings.
10. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.