Not-So-Sloppy, Sloppy Joe's

I was stumped on what to make for some girlfriends I was inviting over for dinner.  While pondering I realized that summer is half over.  Or, at least July is almost over.  This made me vow to go to the pool or beach every day possible until the weather turns gloomy.  At least here in SoCal we have until October.  Growing up in the Midwest always makes me think August is the last warm month, and I still can't help but feel the need to soak up more sunshine.  Either way I am planning more trips to the beach and more riding around topless in the Jeep (the Jeep is topless, by the way, not me).

 Anyway, I decided on something that screams summer for dinner.  

Sloppy Joes!  Corn on the cob!  Lemonade!  

Here is the amazing Not-So-Sloppy Joe recipe: 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped 

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 pound ground turkey**

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt to your taste

Whole wheat hamburger buns

Grated cheese (garnish)

Light Sour cream (garnish)

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper.  Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.  Add turkey.  Cook and crumble with spoon until no pink remains.  Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon and salt.  Add a little water if it's too thick.  Maybe a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup.  Stir occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.  Spoon turkey mixture onto bottom half of bun and top with cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Sandwich with the top half of bun.  Enjoy!!

**This can also be made with vegetarian meat crumbles for the vegetarians out there.