Classic Sloppy Joes ~ T's Version

My version of a Cook’s Illustrated Recipe

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon baking soda

1-pound fresh ground pork

1-pound fresh ground turkey

1 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons oil

1 onion, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon baking soda

4 garlic cloves, grated

4 teaspoons brown sugar

4 teaspoons paprika

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ cup ketchup

2 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

8 Brioche Buns, or buns of your choice

Combine 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a large bowl; to the bowl add the ground pork, ground turkey, and the salt mixing together well and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onion and ¼ teaspoon baking soda and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Now add the sugar, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute. Add in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Add in the beef pork and turkey cook while breaking up the meat, until the pork and turkey are no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add in the ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce and stir until well combined. Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir into the meats. Cook stirring constantly until sauce thickens about 2 minutes. Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired you can add extra vinegar.

I made this recipe to freeze for 2 people and froze the leftovers for enjoying over the next couple of months. Over the last few years, we usually just eat our Sloppy Joes on a plate without bread but decided it was time for a treat and bought beautiful Brioche Rolls, yummy!  I spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bun. I must say the sweet rolls with the Sloppy Joe mixture was a great combination!