The hidden truth...

I have a confession. My family hates vegetables. No, seriously...hates. Of the 5 people who live in my household, 1 (me) will happily and willingly eat vegetables on a regular basis. So much so that I was vegan at one point. Sadly, except for the youngest who will dabble in veggies and the man who will eat the occasional salad, I am left to eat the veggies alone. Or so they think. ;)

The truth...I have been hiding vegetables in their food since before they knew they were eating food....and tonight was no different. Tonight...we had sloppy joes! Mmmm...sloppy, meaty goodness (shhh, and veggies). So here is how this works...I make something like sloppy joes or spaghetti or chili and I mince the veggies up so fine that even if they can see them or find them, they can't pick them out and they can't really taste them. Tonight's sloppy joes are a perfect example. The spinach and carrots are visible, there is no getting around it - they are bright colors. BUT, you can't taste them. You can't feel their texture. It is the perfect indulgence. In order for this to work though, you need a food processor, blender, or hand blender (or be super amazing at mincing veggies).  Remember to always hide the evidence as soon as possible! ;)

Made Right Sloppy Joe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, minced
• 2 C spinach, minced (should equal about 1 cup when it is all chopped up)
• 1-1.5 C. Homemade ketchup (or your favorite organic ketchup. I use this recipe but sub honey in for the corn syrup and omit the sugar, tastes awesome)
• 1-2 Tbps Yellow mustard
• 1/4 C. Mayo (or egg-free it with Veganaise like we do)
• 1 Tbsp "Leah's" seasoning salt (see below for recipe)
• 1 Tbsp Olive oil, coconut oil, talo, lard, bacon grease (whatever you prefer to saute in)

1. Heat oil in large saute pan, cook the onions until translucent. 
2. Add ground beef and brown, seasoning with seasoning salt.
3. Add minced carrot and spinach and allow to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add ketchup and mustard and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes. 
5. Remove from heat and add the mayo.  At this point it should be pretty close to the consistency that you would expect of sloppy joes. If not, taste and decide if it needs more "tangy-ness" (add mustard), more tomato (add ketchup), or more creamy/sweetness (add mayo). You can also adjust seasonings here, although I have never needed additional seasoning.

We like to eat it on a bed of lettuce but for those who eat bread or have some of their favorite gluten free or paleo bread...yummo...have at it! :)  Also, I tend to double this recipe in my house to feed everyone and still have leftovers for lunch. It is really pretty good reheated or even cold.  It is hard to get a good picture of it because I don't have a great camera...plus...it isn't they prettiest stuff. But trust me...it tastes awesome!

Enjoy! Reap the benefits of your family FINALLY eating their vegetables...even if they have NO idea!

**Leah's Seasoning Salt

• 1 Tbsp salt
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder

1. Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container until use. (PS: I usually make HUGE batches of this...it doubles, triples, etc. very well.)