Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe

Ingredients

The Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe differs from the original American version by incorporating Pontic Greek flavors and ingredients. The traditional American Sloppy Joe sauce is transformed into a Mediterranean delight by infusing it with Pontic Greek herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, and paprika. The addition of tangy feta cheese and refreshing cucumber slices adds a unique twist to the dish, enhancing its Mediterranean character. We alse have the original recipe for New Jersey Sloppy Joe, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   To serve, place a generous amount of the beef mixture on each toasted hamburger bun. Top with crumbled feta cheese and cucumber slices.
5. 5.
   Serve the Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use a milder cheese like goat cheese or mozzarella.
• Cucumber — Use fresh and crisp cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work well in this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier Sloppy Joe, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
• Customize your Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced olives or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Leftover Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors will have further developed, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe on a warm, toasted bun alongside a fresh Greek salad or a side of roasted potatoes. This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Pontic Greek Sloppy Joe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano. Serve it on a platter with the cucumber slices arranged neatly on top, and the feta cheese crumbled over the beef mixture.