Why You’ll Love this Vegan Baked Beans Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s both delicious and nutritious, you’ll love this Vegan Baked Beans recipe. I can’t get enough of it!
The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting dish that warms my soul. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; I serve it as a main course, side dish, or even a topping for baked potatoes.
Knowing it’s packed with protein and fiber makes every bite feel good. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, and I can let it simmer while I focus on other things.
Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your collection!
Ingredients of Vegan Baked Beans
When it comes to making Vegan Baked Beans, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. You want to gather all the essentials before you plunge into the cooking process. Trust me, you don’t want to be halfway through your recipe only to realize you’re missing something vital.
So, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this hearty dish that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Here’s what you’ll need for this Vegan Baked Beans recipe:
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Now, you might be wondering, “What if I can’t find dried navy beans?” No worries! You can often substitute them with another type of bean, like pinto or black beans, if that’s what you have on hand.
Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary a bit, so keep an eye on them. Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer it less sweet, you can cut back on the brown sugar or maple syrup.
Vegan cooking is all about flexibility, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Vegan Baked Beans
Alright, let’s plunge into making those delicious Vegan Baked Beans! First off, the star of the show is 1 lb of dried navy beans. If you haven’t soaked them overnight, don’t panic—just make sure to do that step first. It’s like giving the beans a nice spa day, letting them plump up and get ready for their big moment.
Once they’ve soaked, rinse them off, then toss them into a pot covered with about 2 inches of water. Now, let’s get that pot simmering for about 1 1/2 hours. You want the beans to be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them. I mean, no one wants a bean disaster, right?
Once your beans are perfectly tender, drain them, but save about 2 cups of that lovely bean juice—trust me, it’s liquid gold for this recipe. Now grab a big oven-proof dish and add in the beans along with that bean juice. This is where the magic happens.
Add in 1 onion, chopped, 1 1/2 cups of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of brown mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir it all together until everything is well combined. It’s starting to smell good already, isn’t it?
Now, set your oven to a cozy 250 degrees. Pop that dish in and let the beans simmer away for about 2 to 3 hours. This is the part where you can kick back, relax, and maybe binge-watch a show or catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read.
Just remember to stir the beans once every hour—because they need a little love, too. If, after all that simmering, they still look a bit saucy and need to thicken up, crank the oven up to 350 for the last hour.
When you pull them out, you’ll be met with a hearty, sweet, and savory dish that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy your culinary triumph!
Vegan Baked Beans Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Vegan Baked Beans recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to customize it to your taste.
For instance, swap navy beans for black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different texture. You can also adjust the sweetness by using agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to give your beans a unique flavor twist.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun!
What to Serve with Vegan Baked Beans
What pairs perfectly with vegan baked beans to create a satisfying meal? I love serving them alongside cornbread for a comforting touch.
A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the beans. If you’re into a heartier option, grilled vegetables or a veggie burger are fantastic choices.
For something unique, try pairing them with quinoa or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget a tangy coleslaw to brighten the plate!
With these sides, your vegan baked beans will shine as the star of the meal, satisfying everyone at the table.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your vegan baked beans turn out perfectly, I recommend a few key tips.
To start, always soak your navy beans overnight; this helps them cook evenly. If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Keep an eye on the consistency—if they seem too runny, crank up the oven to 350°F for the last hour. Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness to your taste; some might love more maple syrup!
Finally, let the beans sit for a bit after baking; they’ll thicken up as they cool, enhancing that rich flavor. Enjoy!