Vegetarian Baked Beans

Vegetarian baked beans are a flavorful and hearty dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. This recipe provides a delicious meat-free alternative to traditional baked beans by using navy beans as the base. By pre-soaking and pre-cooking the beans, the overall cooking time is significantly reduced, making it easier to prepare this dish in a slow cooker. With the addition of onion, ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and molasses, these vegetarian baked beans offer a sweet and tangy flavor profile that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (455 g) navy beans
• 6 cups (1.4 L) water (for soaking)
• ¾ cup (120 g) chopped onion
• ¼ cup (60 g) low-sodium ketchup
• ½ cup (115 g) brown sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 3 tablespoons (60 g) molasses

PREPARATION:

1. Soak the navy beans in 6 cups of water overnight in a large soup kettle.
2. After soaking, drain the beans and discard the soaking liquid.
3. Cook the beans in water until soft, which typically takes about 1½ hours.
4. Drain the cooked beans and transfer them to a slow cooker.
5. Add the chopped onion, low-sodium ketchup, brown sugar, ¾ cup of water, dry mustard, and molasses to the slow cooker with the beans.
6. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 8 hours, or until the beans are well-flavored but still intact.

YIELD: 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 256 g water
• 168 calories (2% from fat, 12% from protein, 86% from carbs)
• 5 g protein
• 0 g total fat
• 0 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 37 g carbs
• 6 g fiber
• 20 g sugar
• 94 mg phosphorus
• 78 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 16 mg sodium
• 438 mg potassium
• 71 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 2 mg vitamin C
• 0 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• For added flavor, consider adding a minced garlic clove, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dish to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar and molasses.
• Serve the vegetarian baked beans as a main course with a side of cornbread or alongside grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Leftover baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for future meals. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Vegetarian baked beans are a delightful and satisfying dish that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. This recipe offers a meat-free alternative to traditional baked beans, using navy beans as the base. By pre-soaking and pre-cooking the beans, the overall cooking time is significantly reduced, making it convenient to prepare this dish in a slow cooker.

The combination of chopped onion, low-sodium ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and molasses gives these vegetarian baked beans a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses complements the rich earthiness of the beans, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish.

To enhance the flavor of the baked beans, you can consider adding additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For a smoky undertone, a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can be added. A minced garlic clove can provide a hint of savory flavor, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce can contribute a subtle tang.

These vegetarian baked beans can be enjoyed as a standalone main course or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with cornbread, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Additionally, they can be served alongside grilled vegetables, tofu, or veggie burgers to create a complete vegetarian or vegan meal.

Leftover baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated as needed. The flavors tend to meld and develop further over time, resulting in an even more flavorful dish upon reheating.

In summary, vegetarian baked beans offer a tasty and wholesome option for those seeking a meat-free version of this classic dish. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can easily prepare these beans without compromising on flavor. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, these vegetarian baked beans are sure to please your palate and provide a nourishing meal.