Delicious Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Welcome to the world of vegetarian baked beans! This recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, whether you are a vegan or not. Baked beans are one of those classic comfort foods that can be enjoyed in any season or occasion.

My vegetarian baked beans recipe is loaded with flavors and health benefits without sacrificing the classic taste of traditional baked beans. It’s an easy-to-make and delicious recipe that will impress your family and friends.

This updated version swaps out the bacon for savory ingredients like liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and garlic, making it perfect for plant-based diets.

Plus, unlike canned baked beans loaded with preservatives, this homemade version uses natural ingredients only such as pure maple syrup, brown sugar and molasses. You’ll get all the fiber, protein and nourishment from the dry northern white beans.

Get ready to dig deep into a pot of warm and inviting flavors right out of your oven or slow-cooker. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed with this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you in search of a delicious and hearty dish that won’t take up too much of your time? Then look no further than this vegetarian baked beans recipe!

I know that baked beans are typically seen as a side dish, but with this recipe, they can easily become the star of the show. These beans are anything but traditional – they’re meat-free and bursting with flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Don’t let the term “vegetarian” scare you away if you’re a meat-eater. This dish is not only flavorful but also filling, and it won’t leave you missing any protein.

One thing I love about this vegetarian baked bean recipe is its ability to satisfy cravings for traditionally meat-based dishes. The combination of spices like liquid smoke, ground cloves, paprika, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce gives it that rich, smoky BBQ flavor we all know and love.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a party appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, these vegetarian baked beans are sure to impress. So grab your apron and a can opener – it’s time to get cooking!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these delicious vegetarian baked beans:

Dry Northern White Beans

For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of dried northern white beans. Make sure to look for high-quality beans that are free from any unwanted debris, such as small rocks. You can also use navy beans, kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

Onion and Garlic

This recipe calls for 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and 4 cloves of garlic that have been minced. Onions and garlic add a flavorful aroma and taste to this dish.

Molasses and Brown Sugar

To give the baked beans their signature sweetness, you’ll need both 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of molasses. These two ingredients work together to create a deep and rich flavor.

Tomato Paste and Ketchup

These pantry-staple ingredients add a tangy, slightly sweet taste to the dish. You’ll need 1 large can of tomato paste and 1/4 cup ketchup to create the right flavor balance.

Spices

Spices like 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons ground dry mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves bring out rich flavors from other ingredients in the recipe. Additionally, if you’re looking for some smokiness in your baked beans without using bacon or ham hocks, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

Liquids

This recipe requires about 4 cups of water or vegetable broth to cook the beans to perfection. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can use vegetable broth instead of water.

Maple Syrup and Olive Oil

To balance out sweet and savory flavors with a touch of healthy fat: substitute brown sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup for additional natural sweetness; use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook garlic and onion until they become soft.

Make sure you have all these tasty ingredients on hand before getting started with the recipe!

The Recipe How-To

Preparing the Dry Beans

First, we need to prepare the dry northern white beans. In a large pot or bowl, combine the beans with 6 cups of water and let them soak overnight.

After the beans have soaked overnight, rinse and drain them. Add the beans to a large pot with 8 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the beans are tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Sautéing Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Making the Sauce

Add the cooked beans to a large baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of ground dry mustard, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, ¼ cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of molasses, 1 tablespoon of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Pour this sauce over the beans and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Baking the Beans

Add the sautéed onions and garlic on top of the beans. Finally, spread out thinly-sliced 1 large onion on top. Cover the baking dish with foil tightly and bake it in preheated oven for 4-5 hours or until you get desired level of thickness.

Once done, remove from oven, uncover it and bake for additional 20-30 minutes uncovered if needed.

Now that your vegetarian baked beans are ready, it’s time to dig in! These baked beans can be served as a main dish along with cornbread, or as a side dish at BBQs and potlucks. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Hey there, culinary adventurers! Are you feeling inspired to explore and experiment with this vegetarian baked beans recipe? In this section, I’ll share some ideas for ingredient substitutions and variations to cater to your preferences and dietary needs.

Substitutions:

– Tomatoes: Instead of using tomato paste or ketchup, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a richer flavor.

– Sweeteners: While molasses and brown sugar are traditional sweeteners for baked beans, you can swap them out for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option or less refined sugars like honey or coconut sugar.

– Beans: White beans or navy beans work well in this recipe, but you can use other types like kidney beans, pinto beans, or canned beans if that’s what you have in your pantry.

– Liquid smoke: If you don’t have liquid smoke on hand, simply add some smoked paprika to the recipe for a smoky flavor.

Variations:

– BBQ baked beans: Add your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own by adding ketchup, mustard, and some apple cider vinegar to the recipe.

– Spicy baked beans: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeño peppers, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the mix.

– Bean soup: If you prefer a soupier consistency rather than the thick baked bean texture, simply add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

– Boston baked beans: For an authentic Boston-style taste, add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and ground cloves.

Remember that these are just a few ideas – don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving and Pairing

Welcome to the most flavourful vegetarian baked beans that your taste buds are yet to encounter. The taste is savory, and the texture perfectly thick and creamy. You are guaranteed to enjoy this vegetarian recipe on its own or paired with a variety of sides.

For a perfect meal, pair your vegetarian baked beans with cornbread or vegan cheese biscuits. The combination will create a symphony of flavors that you won’t forget quickly. Alternatively, you could serve it with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or quinoa.

If you want to up the protein content in this meal, adding some grilled tofu or seitan will do the trick. It’ll also make a great dinner option if you add some salad on the side.

The versatility of these beans doesn’t stop there; they make an excellent side dish for your barbecue party as well. Yes! You can easily turn them into barbecue baked beans by adding some tomato sauce and BBQ sauce, then let them simmer away on low heat to soak up all those flavors.

You may also consider serving the traditional baked beans as a soup or Baked Beens vegan style. For these options, add more water or vegetable broth, blitz them into soup or serve over rice.

So go ahead, experiment and have fun exploring different ways of serving and pairing your vegetarian baked beans!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

You’re in for a treat with these vegetarian baked beans because they can be made ahead of time, perfect for when you’re entertaining guests or simply want to save some time. To make-ahead, prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to heat them up again, you can do so on the stove or in the oven. To reheat on the stove, add some water or vegetable broth and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you choose to reheat them in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the beans in a baking dish. Cover with foil or a lid and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Storing leftovers is easy too. Store your leftover vegetarian baked beans in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating them following one of the methods mentioned above.

These easy-to-reheat baked beans make for a delicious lunch or dinner option when paired with some crusty bread or even over rice. With this recipe, you’ll always have a delicious and hearty meal within reach without needing to go through all the hard work of cooking from scratch.

Tips for Perfect Results

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these tips will help you make perfect vegetarian baked beans every single time.

Firstly, make sure to preheat your oven properly. The perfect temperature for baking vegetarian baked beans is 350°F. Preheating the oven to the correct temperature ensures that the beans cook evenly and do not dry out.

Another tip for making perfect vegetarian baked beans is to use high-quality ingredients. When cooking with few ingredients, each one has a significant impact on flavor, so it’s crucial to choose good quality items. Use fresh garlic and onions and select the best quality tomato paste.

If you’re cooking the beans on a stovetop, make sure to cook them slowly over low heat. This allows time for the flavors to meld together while keeping the beans from burning or becoming mushy.

For a vegan alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock in your recipe for more taste and fewer calories. And if you want to shorten the cooking time, consider using canned beans instead of dried ones.

When it comes to seasoning, less is sometimes more. Try not to overdo it with spices like paprika, liquid smoke, and ground cloves. Instead, start with a small amount and add as needed until you achieve the desired flavor.

Lastly, remember that baked beans taste much better when you let them cool before serving. Leave them on the counter for a few minutes before serving to allow all of the flavors and aromas to come together.

By using these tips when making your vegetarian baked beans recipe, you can ensure perfectly cooked beans every time with fantastic aroma filled flavors that satisfy your hunger cravings!

FAQ

Now that you know how to make the perfect vegetarian baked beans, there are bound to be some common questions about the recipe, ingredients and serving of it. Don’t worry! In this section, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions related to this recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, there’s something for everyone in this FAQ. So, let’s dive in!

Which baked beans are vegetarian?

As a vegan chef, I’m excited to share some mouth-watering recipes for baked beans. These recipes each have unique flavors and ingredients that will surely satisfy your taste buds. From sweet heat to homestyle, there’s a baked bean recipe here for everyone. Let’s get started!

What makes vegetarian baked beans vegetarian?

Beans are a great source of protein and are suitable for vegetarian diets as they do not contain meat, poultry, or fish. As legumes, they are grown purely from the earth with no animal involvement. Therefore, all beans can be classified as vegetarian.

How to add flavor to vegetarian beans?

One of the secrets to making flavorful vegetarian beans is to create a broth using dried mushrooms. By steeping the mushrooms in boiling water, you can extract their rich flavor, which can then be used to simmer the beans. This adds depth to the dish and makes it more satisfying. Additionally, the soaked mushrooms can be chopped and added to the beans for an extra burst of flavor.

What are vegetarian baked beans made of?

For this recipe, we’ll be using canned Navy Beans as they are small white beans that do not require soaking. A key ingredient to enhance the taste of the beans is molasses. Molasses has a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish. Additionally, we will use brown sugar to complement the beans and enhance its overall sweetness, which also has a hint of molasses to bring out the flavors even more.

Bottom Line

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In conclusion, this vegetarian baked beans recipe is a perfect alternative to the traditional baked beans, it’s healthier and cruelty-free. With this recipe, you can enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of baked beans without relying on bacon or other animal-based ingredients. It’s also straightforward to customize and adjust to your taste with various substitutions and variations. Whether you choose to make it in a slow cooker or oven, it’s easy to cook and store for later use.

So why not trade in the old-school meat-based baked beans for this delicious plant-based version? You’ll love its excellent taste, texture, and health benefits. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you now have the opportunity to feed your family with a meal that they will genuinely appreciate. Try out this vegan baked beans recipe today, and I assure you; you won’t regret it!

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