Delicious Vegan Baked Beans – Perfect Comfort Food

Picture this: a summer evening, the sun is setting, and you are surrounded by good company. What could be better than enjoying a hearty bowl of vegan baked beans? I am excited to share with you my take on this classic dish that is not only delicious but healthy too.

Incorporating beans into your diet has endless health benefits as they are packed with fiber, protein, and many essential vitamins and minerals. Why not enjoy them in a tasty way?

My vegan baked beans recipe uses simple ingredients such as blackstrap molasses, ketchup and Dijon mustard, which brings out a rich and smoky flavor that pairs well with any meal. It is super easy to make and can be made in an instant pot, slow cooker or even on the stovetop.

Whether you are a long-time vegan or just looking for some plant-based alternatives, this recipe is guaranteed to please anyone’s taste buds. So let’s grab some cans of beans, gather our friends and family, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a vegan baked beans recipe that’s both hearty and delicious, then this is the recipe for you! This recipe will surprise and delight with every bite.

First of all, this recipe is completely plant-based. It uses no animal products whatsoever, which makes it a wonderful option for those who abide by a vegan or vegetarian diet. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that this recipe lacks flavor, because nothing could be farther from the truth.

One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it uses a variety of beans. You can use navy beans, kidney beans, borlotti beans, cannellini beans, canned beans, pinto beans or any type of dried beans you have on hand. Not only does this create a rich and complex flavor profile, but it also means that you’re getting a healthy dose of protein and fiber in every serving.

Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can make it in an instant pot, slow cooker or oven. Plus, there are many ways to adjust the seasoning to meet your preferences. Whether you like your baked beans tangy, smoky or sweet, there’s plenty of room for customization in this recipe.

Another fantastic feature of this vegan baked bean recipe is how easy it is to prepare. All the ingredients are simple and straightforward to get hold of – olive oil, onions, garlic ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, molasses, maple syrup and more common pantry staples. Even if you have limited cooking skills or time restrictions, you can whip up a batch of hearty vegan beans without any fuss.

Finally, this recipe offers great opportunities for meal prep and leftovers’ storage. You can make them ahead of time and store them in your fridge or freezer for later use so that they are ready at an instance when hunger strikes you.

In conclusion, this vegan baked bean recipe offers versatility, nutrition and great flavor all rolled into one package. No matter what type of cooking style you prefer- quick prep times using instant pots or slow cookers; making large batches for meal prep- there is something to love about this dish.

Ingredient List

Before we dive right into the recipe how-to, let’s have a look at the ingredient list you’ll need to make these delicious vegan baked beans. While some of the ingredients may vary depending on your preference and availability, we recommend sticking to these ingredients for the best results.

Ingredients 1

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp blackstrap molasses
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups cooked navy beans or one can of navy beans (15 oz)

Ingredients 2

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked black beans or two cans of black beans (15 oz each)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 5 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
• 1/4 cup water

Whether you use an instant pot or bake them in the oven, these ingredients will create a mouthwatering batch of vegan baked beans that everyone will love.

The Recipe How-To

Now let’s dive into the recipe how-to for these delicious vegan baked beans!

Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 cup dried black beans soaked overnight
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of blackstrap molasses
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups of vegetable broth

Instructions
Step 1: Cook the onion and garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add remaining ingredients

Add the soaked black beans, brown sugar, maple syrup, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, blackstrap molasses, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Adjust seasoning

Taste test the beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Add additional salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve up your delicious vegan baked beans hot with your favorite toppings such as chopped green onions or fresh parsley. Enjoy your tasty dish by itself or add it as a side dish to your next plant-based meal!

These vegan baked beans are perfect for a slow cooker recipe too! To use an instant pot or slow cooker hands-free technique to make them even more quickly from dried beans. Now that you know how to make this delicious dish go ahead and give this recipe a try.

Substitutions and Variations

Are you looking to switch things up with your vegan baked beans recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

– For the beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans for your recipe. While this recipe calls for black or navy beans, you could also try kidney beans, borlotti beans, cannellini beans or pinto beans. Whether you’re using canned or dried beans, rinse and drain them before adding them to the recipe.

– For the sweetener: The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar and molasses in this recipe provides a sweet and savory flavor. However, if you prefer a different sweetener or want to reduce sugar intake, try substituting the brown sugar and/or molasses with honey or agave nectar.

– For the spices: The smoked paprika gives this vegan baked bean recipe a smoky flavor that pairs well with barbecue sauce. However, if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika or chili powder will work just fine. You can also add other spices like cumin or thyme for additional flavor.

– For a plant-based twist: If you’re aiming for a more wholesome version of your baked beans recipe, consider swapping out regular barbecue sauce for homemade vegan BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.

– Using an Instant Pot: If you prefer using an instant pot instead of baking in the oven, follow the same directions as mentioned above but use an Instant Pot instead of baking in the oven. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.

Remember that substitutions can alter a recipe’s outcome so it’s always better to test your substitutions before making it in large quantities.

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving vegan baked beans, the possibilities are endless. This dish makes for a hearty and flavorful side dish, but it can also be the star of your meal when paired with the right foods. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some serving and pairing suggestions that will take your vegan baked beans to another level.

One classic way to serve vegan baked beans is as a side dish for barbecue parties or summer cookouts. The smoky flavor of these beans compliments grilled vegetables, corn on the cob or any other barbecued goodies perfectly. You can even use these beans as a condiment on veggie burgers or hot dogs for an extra layer of flavor.

For a more substantial meal, pair vegan baked beans with some fluffy brown rice or quinoa. Alternatively, top them over a bed of fresh greens and sliced avocado for an easy and healthy lunch. If you’re looking for something comforting and filling, try adding these beans as a topping to a vegan shepherd’s pie or nachos.

These vegan baked beans also make an excellent addition to bean soup recipes. You can use them as a base or add them halfway through cooking for added texture and flavor. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, borlotti beans or kidney beans can be great options to switch things up.

Lastly, don’t forget about your slow cooker meals! You can easily create plant-based and healthy baked bean dishes by tossing in your choice of canned or dried white/navy/pinto/red kidney beans with some BBQ sauce or maple syrup into a slow cooker. Pair them with some crusty bread or whole-grain crackers for a cozy night in.

In conclusion, vegan baked beans recipe is versatile enough that it can be served on its own, paired with other dishes, or incorporated into recipes for an added dimension of flavor- whether it’s sweet or smoky!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

When it comes to baked beans, I find that they always taste better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together. That’s why it’s great news that these vegan baked beans can be made ahead of time and stored.

To make-ahead: Once the vegan baked beans are finished cooking, let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can then store them in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat: If you have leftovers or have made this recipe ahead of time, don’t worry about reheating because it’s easy. Simply transfer the desired amount of baked beans to a small pot over low heat on your stove top or microwave-safe dish and heat for a few minutes until heated through. If the beans are too thick, add a little bit of water or vegetable broth until desired consistency is reached.

Storing: It’s also a good idea to store any additional toppings separately so they won’t become soggy during storage.

These vegan baked beans are perfect for meal prep and batch cooking too! You can easily double or even triple the recipe if you want to feed a large crowd without having to worry about cooking again for several days!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to vegan baked beans, there are a few key tips to ensure you get the perfect results every time. Whether you’re making it in an Instant Pot, on the stovetop or in the oven, these tips will help make sure your dish is flavorful, hearty and tender.

Firstly, it’s important to select the right type of beans. While canned beans can be convenient, they can be high in sodium and might not have the same texture as using dried beans. Instead, opt for dried Navy beans, pinto beans or kidney beans for the best texture and taste.

Another tip for perfect vegan baked beans is to sautee the onions until they’re caramelized before adding them to the dish. This adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish that elevates it beyond just a regular bean dish.

When cooking with an Instant Pot, make sure you use enough liquid to ensure even cooking. The general rule of thumb is to use at least 1 cup of liquid for every 1 cup of dried beans. And don’t forget to soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.

If you’re baking your vegan baked beans in the oven, cover them with foil or a lid during cooking to keep them from drying out. For extra flavor, add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke before baking.

Lastly, to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, measure your ingredients carefully. Using too much ketchup or maple syrup can make the dish too sweet while too much apple cider vinegar can give it a sour taste.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious batch of vegan baked beans every time.

Bottom Line

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In conclusion, this vegan baked beans recipe is a mouthwatering treat for anyone craving a healthy, plant-based meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and the option to customize the recipe to your taste preferences, there’s no reason not to try making these baked beans for your next cookout or family dinner.

From the sweet and tangy combination of ketchup, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and blackstrap molasses to the smoky depth of flavor from smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, these vegan baked beans are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Plus, by using an instant pot or slow cooker, this recipe can be whipped up with minimal fuss and maximum impact.

So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a hearty meal on its own, these vegan baked beans are perfect for any occasion. Not only are they nutritious and delicious, but they’re also an excellent way to show your friends and family that plant-based eating can be both tasty and satisfying. So go ahead – grab some navy beans or any variety of beans that you prefer -and whip up a batch of these best vegan baked beans. You won’t regret it!

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