Pinto Bean Sloppy Joes

This was another recipe that my mother gave me.  She LOVED these.  And, quite frankly, I thought they were pretty good myself!  Now, don't get me wrong.  I love my regular sloppy joes.  I'm a meat eater, baby.  But every once in a while its fun to try something new.  And, if you're skimming this blog and you happen to be a vegetarian, then this is the recipe for you!  :)

1 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
2 Tbs jalapeno pepper, diced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs garlic, minced
1 (15oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup wheat germ
4 tsp blackstrap molasses
1 Tbs paprika
1 Tbs dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Hot pepper sauce or Tobasco, to taste (can be added to individual servings instead of to the whole batch)


1.) In large non-stick skillet, saute the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno in olive oil for 5 minutes to soften.  Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
2.) Add remaining ingredients, season the mixture with hot pepper sauce, to taste.
3.) Simmer an additional 5 minutes. 
4.) Using a fork or back of a spoon, coarsley mash mixture and simmer 5 more minutes.
5.) Serve on hamburger bungs or large rolls.  (Can also be served over pasta, rice, or veggies.)