Freekey Joes

By subbing in a whole grain for some of the meat, this version of sloppy joes gives some added nutrition as well as being a bit easier on the pocket book. For this recipe I used freekeh, but other whole grains like quinoa or brown rice should work fine too.

Ingredients

• 1/2# ground beef (or whatever ground meat you’d like to use)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup cooked freekeh
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1-2 tbsp hot pepper sauce – optional
• salt and pepper to taste

If you’ve never used freekeh, you could sub some quinoa, farro, brown rice or whatever grain you would like.. maybe even some cooked beans if you’d prefer.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon or so of oil and heat the onion for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly browned

Add the ground beef and brown, using wooden spoon to break the meat up as it cooks.

Mix the tomato paste, water, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic and hot sauce (if using) in a medium bowl. When the meat is browned add to pan and stir to fully distribute.

Add the freekeh and stir to distribute. Leave on burner until heated through, stirring as needed. If sauce is too thick, add some water about a tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.

Salt and pepper to taste before serving. Makes four to six servings.