from Molly’s “home is where the eggs are” book - yum! she swears on homemade pitas but who has the time honestly………..maybe one day. Could make in crockpot. Kind of just like chili - don’t do a pita - it’s too soggy. 5/10 just based on the pita suggestion. delicious because of the vinegar.
Serves 3–4
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey or beef (turkey keeps it lighter)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional but great)
1 jalapeno, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp cumin (optional but delicious)
1 cup crushed tomatoes (oops I used diced the first time)
2 tbsp umami paste or harissa
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon- juice + zest
2 tsp packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
Salt + pepper to taste
Warm pitas
Toppings: arugula, pickled onions, feta, herbs, tzatziki, or plain yogurt
Instructions
1. Sauté the base
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 min until softened. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
2. Brown the meat
Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned, about 5–7 min. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes.
3. Build the sauce
Stir in:
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
umami paste
Mix well and lower heat.
4. Add depth + brightness
Add lemon juice, zest, and sweetener. Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Taste — add more lemon or umami paste if needed.
6. Assemble
Fill pitas with the sloppy joe mixture and top with:
a handful of arugula
pickled onions
crumbled feta or a dollop of yogurt
chopped parsley or mint