1.Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced onion. Cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and the cumin and fry until fragrant. Add tomato paste and break up in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, hot sauce, BBQ seasoning and paprika. Bring the mix to a boil, lower heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes, set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. When heated, add the zucchini and tofu and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the vegan beef crumbles and sauce and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Toast the buns in the oven until golden brown and assemble sloppy joes! I serve these with a side of fresh corn on the cob and a salad.
Source of recipe: I was craving sloppy joes and created this recipe as a wonderful alternative to the meat version.. My boyfriend (who loves meat) says this is the best sloppy joe sauce he's ever tasted :) This recipe yields a lot of sloppy joe mix and is even better the second day!