Embrace a hearty and nutritious delight with this Vegetarian Baked Beans Delight recipe. Packed with flavors of sweet molasses and spices, these baked beans are far from ordinary. They are soaked overnight for a perfect texture and slow-cooked to absorb all the beautiful flavors. This dish is a perfect side for any meal and a sure way to impress your guests.
The key ingredient in this recipe is the 'navy beans'. They are small, pea-sized beans that are creamy white in color. They are mild-flavored beans that are dense and smooth. If not available at home, they can be easily found in the beans section of any supermarket. Moreover, 'molasses' used in this recipe is a viscous product resulting from refining sugarcane into sugar. It's available in the baking aisle of your local grocery store.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Baked Beans Delight
Navy beans: A healthy source of fiber and protein.
Sweet onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beans.
Brown sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Molasses: Gives a rich and dark flavor to the beans.
Cider vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the sweet flavors.
Dry mustard: Gives a mild spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic: Adds a distinct taste and aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Brings warmth and sweetness to the dish.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of spicy sweetness.
Ground black pepper: Enhances the flavors and adds a mild heat to the dish.
One reader, Biddy Beal says:
These vegetarian baked beans are a game-changer! The blend of sweet and tangy flavors is simply irresistible. The beans are tender and the spices are perfectly balanced. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. I can't get enough of it!
Culinary Skills Needed
How to soak navy beans: Soak the navy beans in a large container with several inches of cool water for 8 hours to overnight.
How to cook navy beans: Drain the soaked navy beans and simmer in a pot with 5 cups of water for about 1 hour until tender.
How to bake the vegetarian baked beans delight: Combine the cooked navy beans, onion, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, mustard, garlic, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a 2-quart casserole dish. Season with pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 250 degrees F for 5 to 7 hours, stirring halfway through and adding water if needed. Remove the lid and bake for an additional hour until the mixture has reduced to the desired thickness.
How To Make Vegetarian Baked Beans
Have a delicious plant-based meal with our Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe! These Boston-style baked beans are yummy and filling to eat for lunch or dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozdried navy beans
- wateras needed
- 2cupssweet onionchopped
- ¼cupbrown sugarfirmly packed
- ¼cupmolasses
- 2tbspcider vinegar
- 2tspdry mustard
- 1clovegarlicminced
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspground black pepper
Instructions
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Place navy beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water. Let stand 8 hours to overnight.
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Drain navy beans and put into a pot with 5 cups water.
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Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until beans are tender.
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Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
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Combine beans, onion, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, mustard, garlic, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a 2-quart casserole dish with a lid. Season with pepper. Place lid on dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 hours, stirring halfway through and adding water if mixture is too dry.
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Remove lid and bake for about 1 hour more, until mixture has reduced to desired thickness.
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Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
You can replace the water with vegetable broth for a more tasty dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 205.01kcal
- Fat: 0.88g
- Saturated Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44g
- Carbohydrates: 40.18g
- Fiber: 7.34g
- Sugar: 13.22g
- Protein: 10.52g
- Sodium: 9.24mg
- Calcium: 96.18mg
- Potassium: 711.32mg
- Iron: 3.06mg
- Vitamin A: 0.04µg
- Vitamin C: 1.66mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting the Recipe
When preparing your navy beans, it's important to remember that soaking them overnight not only reduces the cooking time but also makes them easier to digest. If you forget to soak them, don't worry! You can use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for a couple of minutes, then letting them sit in the hot water for an hour. Also, when baking, keep an eye on the water level. If the beans start to dry out, add more water to keep them moist and prevent them from burning. Lastly, don't rush the baking process. The slow, long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
Time-Saving Tips
Prep ahead: Soak the navy beans overnight to cut down on cooking time the next day.
Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to cook the beans and other ingredients together, saving time and effort.
Chop in bulk: Prepare a large batch of onions and garlic in advance to use in multiple recipes, including this one.
Pressure cooker: Utilize a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the navy beans.
Canned beans: If you're short on time, consider using canned navy beans instead of dried ones for a quicker preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe
dried navy beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans are a great alternative to navy beans as they have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement in baked bean recipes.
sweet onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor than sweet onions but can be used as a substitute in this recipe without significantly altering the overall taste.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, providing a similar level of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the dish.
molasses - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can replace molasses in this recipe, offering a sweet and rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar, providing a slightly milder acidity to the dish.
dry mustard - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used in place of dry mustard, adding a tangy flavor and a hint of acidity to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice can replace nutmeg, offering a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Apple pie spice can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, providing a blend of warm spices that complements the other flavors in the recipe.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
Creative Serving Ideas
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegetarian baked beans delight, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or crispy shallots on top of the baked beans. This will provide a delightful contrast in texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider serving the baked beans in individual mini cast iron skillets or ceramic ramekins to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of the garnishes. Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or microgreens strategically on the dish to create a visually stunning presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Focus on balance: Ensure that the presentation reflects the balance of flavors in the dish. Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate to add a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Highlight seasonal ingredients: If available, incorporate seasonal vegetable ribbons or edible blossoms to showcase the freshness and seasonality of the ingredients used in the vegetarian baked beans delight.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the navy beans until they are tender.
- 2-quart casserole dish with a lid: This dish is used for baking the vegetarian baked beans in the oven, allowing for even cooking and moisture retention.
- Oven: The oven is used to bake the vegetarian baked beans at a low temperature for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is needed for stirring the ingredients together in the casserole dish before baking.
Preserving and Storing for Later
Allow the baked beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the vegetarian baked beans, let them cool completely first. Transfer the cooled beans to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The baked beans will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to eat the frozen baked beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. You may need to add a little water or vegetable broth to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much during freezing.
If you have leftovers after reheating the baked beans, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze the beans after they have been thawed and reheated.
Reviving Leftover Vegetarian Baked Beans Delight
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover vegetarian baked beans delight to a saucepan. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent the beans from drying out. Heat the beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and reach the desired consistency. This method allows you to easily control the moisture level and texture of the reheated beans.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegetarian baked beans delight in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake the beans for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to slightly crisp up. This method is ideal if you want to maintain the original baked texture of the beans.
Microwave method: Transfer the leftover vegetarian baked beans delight to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the beans on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the beans are heated through. Be careful not to overheat the beans, as they can quickly dry out or become mushy in the microwave.
Slow cooker method: If you have a large quantity of leftover vegetarian baked beans delight, you can reheat them in a slow cooker. Transfer the beans to the slow cooker and add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to prevent them from drying out. Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the beans to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This method is convenient if you need to reheat a large batch of beans for a gathering or potluck.
Interesting Trivia
The recipe for vegetarian baked beans delight is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. Baked beans are a good source of protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They are also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Baked beans are a staple in many cultures around the world and have been enjoyed for generations. They are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly Meal Planning
This vegetarian baked beans delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as dried navy beans, sweet onion, and molasses, are affordable and readily available. The dish yields a large portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, delicious flavors, and economical nature.
Nutritional Benefits and Drawbacks
This vegetarian baked beans recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional baked beans, which often contain high amounts of saturated fat and added sugars. The navy beans provide a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The onion and garlic offer additional nutrients and flavor without adding significant calories.
However, the recipe still contains a considerable amount of added sugars from the brown sugar and molasses. While these ingredients contribute to the classic baked bean flavor, they can be reduced to make the dish even healthier.
To further improve the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and molasses by half to lower the added sugar content
- Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content and provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water to enhance flavor without increasing sodium intake
- Experiment with adding other spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for additional flavor depth without relying on sugar or salt
- Serve the baked beans alongside a variety of colorful vegetables or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegetarian baked bean dish that better aligns with your health goals while still providing the comfort and warmth of a classic recipe.
Our Editor's Take on This Delightful Dish
The recipe for Vegetarian Baked Beans Delight is a delightful and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of navy beans, sweet onion, molasses, and spices creates a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a satisfying and wholesome dish. The use of simple, natural ingredients makes this recipe a winner for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Why trust this Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe:
This recipe for vegetarian baked beans delight is a trusted classic, perfected over time. The combination of navy beans, sweet onion, and a blend of brown sugar, molasses, and cider vinegar creates a rich and flavorful base. The addition of dry mustard, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper elevates the dish to a whole new level. The slow baking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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