Welcome to my vegan and healthy baked beans recipe! If you’re a fan of baked beans, you will love this healthier version made with wholesome ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those who want a protein-high, high-fiber, and low-carb meal without sacrificing taste.

The dish is made with navy, cannellini, or great northern beans, which are incredibly good sources of plant-based protein and fiber. In addition to their nutritional benefits, these beans have a rich and creamy texture that makes them perfect for cooking in soups, stews, and yes – BAKED BEANS!

To achieve the perfect flavor profile in these baked beans, we use a vibrant mix of spices including sweet paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, cinnamon stick, sea salt, and smoked paprika. The result is a flavorful and savory blend that complements the tender beans giving them a satisfying smoky flavor.

This vegan recipe contains no animal products such as bacon or ham that traditionally accompanies baked beans. However, I assure you that this healthier alternative does not lack in flavor or complexity. This dish is an excellent example of how healthy plant-based eating can be both delicious and satisfying.

So let’s get started by diving into the ingredient list to see what we will be working with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Of all the baked bean recipes out there, this Vegetarian and Healthy Baked Beans Recipe will easily become your favorite. And here’s why:

Firstly, it is a healthy vegan recipe. It is high in protein and high in fiber, making it a good source of both essential nutrients. Secondly, this recipe uses natural ingredients. You won’t find any Heinz canned beans or other processed products here. Instead of using canned beans, we use dried beans which are a lot healthier for you.

What’s more, this recipe can be tailored to suit your dietary requirements. It is plant-based, low carb and gluten-free but still packs a flavorful punch. If you’re looking for something to impress at a party or just want a simple dish to make for dinner, then these vegan baked beans are perfect.

Thirdly, the recipe doesn’t compromise on taste at all. The combination of sweet paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin and cinnamon stick gives the dish an exotic twist that you just can’t find in store-bought baked beans. The dish has just the right amount of spice and sweetness that creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Finally, this recipe is not only easy-to-make but also very affordable due to its basic and minimal list of ingredients. And as an added bonus, this healthy baked bean recipe can be easily made ahead of time for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

So there you have it – all the reasons why you’ll love this Vegetarian and Healthy Baked Beans Recipe. Go ahead and try it out today!

Ingredient List

Let’s dive into the ingredient list for this delicious vegan and healthy baked beans recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients 1:

2 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
1 tablespoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon of ground coriander
1 cinnamon stick
Sea salt to taste
Olive oil (1 tbsp)

Ingredients 2:

2 cans of great northern beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 bell pepper, diced
2 onions, diced
3 cups cooked pinto beans or dried pinto beans soaked overnight
A pinch of ground cinnamon and smoked paprika (each)
6 oz can of tomato sauce

Ingredients for homemade vegan broth:

onions, chopped (2 medium)
garlic cloves, minced (4)
Olive oil (1 tbsp)
Bell pepper, chopped (1)
Carrot, chopped (1)
Celery stalks, chopped(2)
Cumin powder(½ tsp), Chili Powder(½ tsp), Black pepper (¼ tsp), Bay leaves(2)
-Water (8 cups)

These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. You can use canned beans or soak dried beans overnight and cook them. If you make the homemade vegan broth from scratch, it will lend a rich flavor profile to your baked beans recipe. Otherwise, you can use low-sodium vegetable broth instead.

The Recipe How-To

You won't believe these are vegetarian. — You won’t believe these are vegetarian.

Gathering and Preparing Ingredients

Before we begin with the recipe, it’s best to prepare and lay out all the ingredients. This will make the process easier and will help to avoid any confusion along the way. Make sure to have 4 cups of drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 2 cans of chopped tomatoes (15 oz each) ready. Have a couple of onions, one finely diced, and the other chopped into medium-sized pieces. Also, gather some spices like sweet paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, a cinnamon stick, and sea salt. For your sweetener, use maple syrup or brown sugar whichever is available. Lastly, never forget to have a cup of water or low-sodium vegetable broth before proceeding.

Cooking Instructions

Begin cooking by preheating the oven to 375 °F.
Get a deep baking dish and place it over medium heat on the stove. Take note that it should be stove-to-oven friendly.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil in the dish together with one diced onion (medium-sized).
Cook for approximately three to four minutes or until softened.
Add in 1 tbsp of tomato paste then add your cinnamon stick together with all your spices: 1 tsp of sweet paprika, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt.
Stir all ingredients well then cook for roughly two minutes or until fully combined.
Add in the can tomatoes with its juice (15 oz cans) followed by a cup of water or low-sodium vegetable broth.
Wait for it to simmer over medium heat before adding in your drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Make sure to mix everything gently.
Pour in 1/4 cup of maple syrup or brown sugar, adding more if you prefer sweeter baked beans.
Mix well before adding more salt or liquid as desired.
Transfer the baking dish into an oven that was previously heated at 375°F.
Bake uncovered for roughly an hour until it starts bubbling around its edges
Turn the oven off before removing from oven.

Additional Notes

The healthy vegan baked beans will thicken as it starts cooling down due to the absorption process made by beans [^1]. You may enjoy your vegan baked beans however you want: topped on toast, as part of bean soup or salads, served alongside any vegan meat replacement or even as a side for gluten-free bread!

[^1]: Storing leftover baked beans inside an airtight container should last at least five days inside-up refrigerator while properly sealing them ought to retain their freshness for months inside freezer too!

Substitutions and Variations

Your taste buds will thank you for trying these.

Are you looking to mix it up a bit and add some variety to your healthy baked beans recipe? There are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can try out to create your own unique spin on this classic dish.

Firstly, let’s talk about the beans. While this recipe calls for cannellini beans, you can easily switch them out for navy, great northern, kidney or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor profile. Speaking of flavor, if you’re looking for a smoky taste in your healthy baked beans, reach for smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

If you’re partial to all things spicy, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeno peppers to your dish. On the other hand, if you’d like it a bit sweeter, try substituting brown sugar with maple syrup or honey.

As for vegetables, while this recipe incorporates onion and chopped tomatoes, feel free to use red onion or even bell pepper instead. You can also add some extra nutrition by throwing in diced carrots, zucchini or spinach.

For those keeping an eye on the gluten content of their diet or just looking for a heartier meal, try serving your healthy baked beans over gluten-free bread or on top of brown rice. Additionally, swapping out vegetable broth for low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth can add some new dimensions to the flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to make this recipe truly unique. Whether you’re into garlic powder or rosemary, there are endless ways to put your own twist on these healthy vegan baked beans.

Serving and Pairing

You’ll love how versatile these vegan baked beans are when it comes to serving and pairing options. They make the perfect side dish to nearly any summer meal, including BBQ classics like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken.

For a fun twist on traditional baked beans, try serving them full-bodied style over some toasted bread. It’s a hearty and filling snack that you can easily customize with savory or sweet toppings like vegan cheese, avocado slices, or chopped fresh herbs.

If you’re looking for more plant-based protein in your diet, add these baked beans to your favorite salad as a healthy alternative to meat. They add a wonderful depth of flavor when paired with crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and radishes.

These healthy vegan baked beans are also great as a stand-alone dish, especially if you’re cutting back on carbs or trying to stick to a low-carb diet plan. Serve them up in small bowls topped with some diced onions and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

If you want something more substantial than just a side dish or snack, try incorporating these baked beans into your favorite soup or stew recipe. They pair perfectly with other ingredients like kidney beans, pinto beans, and vegetable broth to create an easy and comforting meal that feeds the whole family.

No matter how you choose to serve or pair them, these vegetarian baked beans are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Plus, their high fiber content makes them an excellent source of slow-burning energy that will keep you feeling full all day long!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Who needs meat when you have these tasty beans?

One of the benefits of this vegetarian and healthy baked beans recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy days.

To make it ahead, store the baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, you can do so on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If the beans are too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to loosen them up.

Additionally, this recipe can also be frozen for longer storage. After cooking, let the baked beans cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. You can either store the whole batch or divide it into individual portions for quick and easy meals later on. Be sure to label and date the containers before freezing them.

To thaw frozen baked beans, move them to the fridge overnight before reheating as usual. You can also reheat them from frozen in the microwave or on the stove, but be sure to stir frequently and add liquid as needed.

Whether you prepare this recipe in advance or use leftovers, the quality and flavor will remain intact if stored correctly. So go ahead and cook up a big batch for a stress-free weeknight dinner or meal prep option!

Tips for Perfect Results

Healthy and hearty, these baked beans are the way to go.

To achieve the perfect baked beans texture and flavor, I’ve got some helpful tips to share. Here’s how to ensure that your vegan baked beans come out healthy and delicious.

Firstly, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Since this recipe is plant-based, it’s essential to use fresh vegetables and spices to enhance the flavors of the beans. Be sure to choose the freshest canned or dried beans as well.

When cooking the beans, slow and steady wins the race! It’s important not to boil them too much as this can cause them to become mushy or lose their shape. To avoid this, try simmering the beans on low heat for two hours or more – this will help them retain their texture and flavor.

Canned beans are a great option if you’re short on time, however, if using canned beans always rinse them well with cold water before adding them to your dish. This will remove any excess salt or chemicals from the canning process.

For those who love spice, feel free to play around with different spice combinations such as smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon stick or sweet paprika. These additions provide a deep and complex flavor profile that will add a punch of excitement to your tasty vegan baked beans.

Lastly, leftovers can be a lifesaver! Baked beans stored overnight in the fridge allow all of the flavors to intensify and come together wonderfully. Reheat them gently over low heat in a pan with a little bit of vegetable broth or water before serving. You can also freeze any leftover baked beans for future meals.

By utilizing these simple tips, your vegan baked beans will turn out perfect every time – protein high, textures bang-on good source of fibre that are healthy for you and your loved ones alike!

FAQ

As an assistant for a vegan chef and this baked beans recipe, I understand that you might have some questions. In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions and provide insightful answers to them. Whether you are wondering about substitutions or variations or have concerns about the ingredients’ choices, stick around and get your doubts cleared. Let’s delve into the details!

Are vegetarian baked beans healthy?

Beans, particularly haricot or cannellini beans, are a nutritious food option. They are a rich source of plant-based protein, high in fiber, and low in fat and calories. In addition, they contain essential minerals like iron and zinc and are an excellent source of B vitamins such as folate. Therefore, incorporating beans into your meals is a great way to increase your nutrient intake.

Is baked beans healthy for diet?

Baked beans can be a nutritious addition to a meal as they are a good source of protein and fibre, particularly when paired with wholegrain toast or a jacket potato. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they do contain salt and sugar.

How do you make beans taste good without meat?

For an amazingly flavored vegetarian bean dish, here’s a secret tip: make use of dried mushrooms. To bring out their rich flavor, let them steep in boiling water and create a broth. You can then use the resulting broth to simmer the beans for that extra delicious flavor. For an added texture, make sure to dice up the soaked mushrooms and add them straight into the beans.

Which baked beans are vegetarian?

As an articulate assistant for a vegan chef, I have created a list of delicious baked beans recipes that are sure to satisfy all tastes. From zero sugar added to honey sweet, each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic baked beans dish. Whether you prefer vegetarian or country-style options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join me in exploring the world of baked beans and discover your new favorite recipe!

Bottom Line

in a persuasive tone, inviting the reader to try the recipe and highlighting its benefits.

In conclusion, this vegetarian and healthy baked beans recipe is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients. With a rich and smoky flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any meal or as a stand-alone dish. Furthermore, it’s plant-based, making it an excellent source of protein and fiber without any animal products or processed ingredients.

Using simple and easy-to-find ingredients like olive oil, sweet paprika, ground coriander, and cannellini beans, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. And if you’re a vegan or simply looking for healthy comfort food options, look no further than these flavorful baked beans!

Whether you’re serving them on toast for a quick breakfast, adding them as a side dish at your next BBQ or incorporating them into your favorite bean soup recipe, make sure to give this healthy vegan option a try. Your taste buds and body will thank you!

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Jolo

Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.

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