Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea Bbq Sandwich Recipe

I stumbled upon the ultimate vegan comfort food: Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea BBQ Sandwiches! This tasty creation is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for those moments when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure together!

The combination of sweet and savory really works in the Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea BBQ Sandwich. The delightful balance makes it almost a dish of two halves: hearty protein from the chickpeas, and a near-to-guilty pleasure in the sweet and sauce-y top half.

Make it and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, they provide a hearty texture.
• Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical twist to the dish.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a savory richness and tangy depth of flavor.
• Onion: Offers aromatic depth and a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Garlic: Infuses a robust, savory note to elevate the dish.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Optional: Coleslaw for topping

How to Make this

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the onion that has been diced and cook it for approximately 3-4 minutes, until it is soft and translucent.

2. Put the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is aromatic and the pepper starts to soften.

3. Incorporate the drained and rinsed chickpeas into the skillet. With a fork or potato masher, slightly mash the chickpeas, taking care to leave some intact for texture.

4. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl: crushed pineapple, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well to ensure all elements are evenly distributed.

5. Add salt and pepper to the mixture for flavor, and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes so that the flavors meld together.

6. Set your oven to 350° (175°C) to preheat. If you would like your hamburger buns toasted, place them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Toast them lightly for about 3-4 minutes.

7. After toasting the buns, put a heaping portion of the mixture made from chickpeas and pineapple onto each bottom bun.

8. You can optionally top the mixture with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.

9. Position the upper halves of the buns over the fillings to finish creating the sandwiches.

10. Enjoy the Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea BBQ Sandwiches while warm. These tasty numbers will definitely put the “sloppy” in your next sandwich experience. Try feeding them to a loved one, for you will both definitely wind up on the “not the next sandwich you’ll ever forget” side of the equation.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Mixing bowl
3. Fork or potato masher
4. Baking sheet
5. Oven
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spatula or wooden spoon
10. Can opener (for chickpeas)
11. Colander (for draining and rinsing chickpeas and pineapple)

FAQ

• Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?Certainly! Dried chickpeas can be used. Just be sure to soak them and cook them slow and long until they’re tender before putting them in the dish.
• What type of barbecue sauce works best?A barbecue sauce that is smoky or slightly sweet complements the pineapple very well, but you can use whichever variety you prefer.
• Are there gluten-free options for the buns?Certainly, you can opt for store-bought gluten-free buns or, if you like, bake your own.
• Is there a way to make this less sweet?Indeed, cutting back on the quantity of barbecue sauce or pineapple, or opting for a barbecue sauce with a more pronounced tang, can dial down the sweetness of the dish.
• Can I prepare the mixture in advance?It is true that the mixture of chickpeas, pineapple, and barbecue can be prepared up to 48 hours prior to when it is to be served and kept in the cooler. Heat it up again and then serve it.
• What can I substitute for coleslaw?If you would rather not use coleslaw, feel free to use mixed greens or arugula for a fresh crunch.
• Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?You can use regular paprika or even a bit of cayenne pepper, but the taste will be a little different.

Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea Bbq Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or avocado oil can be used as substitutes for olive oil.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Red bell pepper: Substitute with green bell pepper or with yellow bell pepper.
Chickpeas: Substitute with either black beans or cannellini beans.
For barbecue sauce, consider using a blend of ketchup and a hint of liquid smoke for a taste that veers toward smoky.

Pro Tips

1. Caramelize the Onions: For enhanced flavor, cook the onions a bit longer (around 10 minutes) over low heat to caramelize them. This adds a depth of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy barbecue sauce.