Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe

Experience the delightful combination of contrasting flavors with this sweet and sour beans recipe. A variety of beans are simmered in a tangy sauce with smoky bacon and onions. The result is a hearty and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. The flavor profile is well-balanced, ensuring that the sweet and sour notes do not overpower the natural taste of the beans.

Photos of Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe

The ingredients required for this recipe are mostly pantry staples. However, the variety of beans used might not all be commonly available in every kitchen such as lima beans and butter beans. These are available in canned form in most supermarkets. You might also want to pay attention to the type of vinegar used. White wine vinegar is used in this recipe for its unique, mild and slightly sweet flavor. If unavailable, it can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Beans

Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and crisp texture.

Onions: Provide a subtly sweet base.

Garlic powder: Adds a robust flavor.

Dry hot mustard: Gives a spicy kick.

White wine vinegar: Balances the sweetness with its tanginess.

Brown sugar: Gives the dish a deep, molasses-like sweetness.

Kidney beans: A hearty bean that holds up well in cooking.

Lima beans: Adds texture and has a slightly sweet, creamy flavor.

Butter beans: A large, meaty bean with a mild flavor.

Baked beans: Already cooked in a sauce, adds both flavor and texture.

One reader, Kasper Craddock says:

This sweet and sour beans recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The tangy-sweet sauce perfectly complements the hearty beans. It's a hit every time I make it for gatherings. Highly recommended for anyone looking to impress with a unique and delicious dish!

Kasper Craddock

Techniques Required

How to prepare bacon: Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, then drain, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.

How to sauté onions: Add the onions to the reserved bacon fat in the pan and sauté until they become soft.

How to make the sweet and sour sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, dry mustard, white wine vinegar, and brown sugar into the sautéed onions. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

How to combine the beans: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the bacon and onion mixture with the kidney beans, lima beans, butter beans, and baked beans. Mix everything together thoroughly.

How to simmer the beans: Simmer the combined bean mixture for 70 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender.

How to serve: Once the sweet and sour beans are ready, serve and enjoy!

How To Make Sweet and Sour Beans

Simple, easy, and tasty, this sweet and sour beans recipe combines various kinds of beans, bacon, and white wine vinegar for a loaded and flavorful dish.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbbacon
3onions,chopped
1tspgarlic powder
½tspdry hot mustard
½cupwhite wine vinegar
1cupbrown sugar,packed
15ozkidney beans,(1 can) drained
15ozlima beans,(1 can) drained
15ozbutter beans,(1 can)
15ozbaked beans,(2 cans)

Instructions

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
Add onions to fat in pan, and saute until soft. Stir in garlic powder, dry mustard, wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In a large pot or slow cooker combine bacon and onion mixture with the kidney beans, lima beans, butter beans, and baked beans. Mix together, and simmer for 70 minutes.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 491.14kcal
Fat: 17.54g
Saturated Fat: 5.73g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.22g
Carbohydrates: 63.83g
Fiber: 15.61g
Sugar: 19.74g
Protein: 21.89g
Cholesterol: 27.22mg
Sodium: 428.99mg
Calcium: 116.57mg
Potassium: 1144.08mg
Iron: 6.41mg
Vitamin A: 14.21µg
Vitamin C: 22.36mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Sweet and Sour Beans

When cooking the bacon for this sweet and sour beans recipe, aim for a crispy texture. The crunch of the bacon will provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the beans. Additionally, don't discard all the bacon fat. It's packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the dish when you sauté the onions in it.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sweet and Sour Beans

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

Canned beans: Use canned beans instead of dried ones to save time on soaking and cooking.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Batch cooking: Prepare large batches of food and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe

bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey or tempeh bacon: Smoked turkey or tempeh bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the dish, while offering a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Using fresh garlic can enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the dish, providing a more robust and authentic taste.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can offer a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor, complementing the sweetness of the dish while providing a tangy kick.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to brown sugar, adding a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the dish.
kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be used as a substitute for kidney beans, offering a similar texture and a slightly earthier flavor to the dish.
lima beans - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can provide a similar tender texture and a slightly nutty flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
butter beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can offer a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor, serving as a suitable alternative to butter beans.
baked beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for baked beans, providing a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, earthy taste to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Sweet and Sour Beans

Elevate the plating: When presenting the sweet and sour beans, 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 crispy bacon bits on top of the beans. This will provide a contrast in texture and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider serving the sweet and sour beans in individual mini cast iron skillets or ceramic ramekins to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Use a fine microplane grater to grate a small amount of lemon zest over the beans just before serving. This will impart a subtle citrus aroma and enhance the flavors.
Balance the colors: Arrange the different varieties of beans in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors on the plate. Consider using vibrant green chives as a final garnish to tie the presentation together.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Large pot or slow cooker: A large cooking vessel used for simmering and slow cooking dishes.
Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a pot or pan.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used for straining liquids and separating solids from liquids.
Serving dish: A dish used for serving and presenting the prepared sweet and sour beans.

How To Store / Freeze This Recipe

Let the sweet and sour beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the sweet and sour beans for up to 3 months:
- Divide the cooled beans into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place them in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing.
To reheat frozen sweet and sour beans:
- Thaw the beans overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed beans to a saucepan and reheat them over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.
- If the beans seem dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
Note: The texture of the beans may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Reheat the sweet and sour beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensures even heating, preventing the beans from burning or drying out.
For a quick and easy reheating option, transfer the leftover sweet and sour beans to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beans are heated through. The damp paper towel helps to retain moisture and prevent the beans from drying out.
If you have a lot of leftover sweet and sour beans, consider reheating them in a slow cooker. Transfer the beans to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through. This method is ideal for large quantities and helps to maintain the beans' texture and flavor.
For a crispy twist, spread the leftover sweet and sour beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. This method adds a nice texture contrast to the soft beans.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover sweet and sour beans, consider sautéing some diced onions and bell peppers in a pan with a little olive oil before adding the beans. This will give the dish a fresh, aromatic boost and make it feel like a brand new meal.

Random Fact about Sweet and Sour Beans

The sweet and sour beans recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It combines the flavors of bacon, onions, and a variety of beans to create a sweet and tangy dish. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. It's a great way to add some protein and fiber to your meal, and it's easy to customize with your favorite beans. Plus, the combination of sweet and sour flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Try adding some spicy sausage for an extra kick!

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This sweet and sour beans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of bacon, onions, and canned beans makes it an affordable option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. This dish offers a hearty and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The use of canned beans also makes it convenient and budget-friendly. Overall, I would rate this recipe a 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sweet and sour beans recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming too much of these can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Brown sugar and the inherent sweetness of the baked beans add a considerable amount of sugar to the dish. Excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
The recipe lacks any significant source of vitamins or minerals, as it doesn't include any vegetables or nutrient-dense ingredients.

However, the beans themselves offer some nutritional benefits:

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
The variety of beans used in the recipe provides a good mix of nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of bacon used or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or chicken breast.
Use low-sodium beans to decrease the overall sodium content of the dish.
Decrease the amount of brown sugar used, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Add some diced vegetables to the mix, such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery, to increase the vitamin and fiber content.
Use a mixture of whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard instead of dry mustard to add depth of flavor and a hint of sophistication.
Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, to create a unique flavor profile while maintaining the tangy essence of the dish.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Recipe

The sweet and sour beans recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of bacon adds a rich and savory element, while the combination of beans provides a variety of textures and tastes. The blend of white wine vinegar and brown sugar creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the beans. However, I would suggest reducing the cooking time to prevent the beans from becoming too soft. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will surely please the palate.

Enhance Your Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for balancing out the sweet and sour flavors of the beans.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, adding a refreshing and vibrant element to the meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, providing a delightful contrast to the tangy and savory beans.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a perfect combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for a spicy and savory meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This mango salsa chicken is a refreshing and tropical twist on traditional chicken dishes. The sweet and tangy mango salsa pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken, creating a dish that's bursting with flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any time of the year. The rich and creamy texture of the soup, combined with the fresh flavors of tomato and basil, makes it a delightful and heartwarming meal option.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Complement This Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in the creamy and flavorful spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or warm bread. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe:

This recipe is a trusted classic, passed down through generations. The combination of bacon, onions, and beans creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of white wine vinegar and brown sugar adds a delightful sweet and sour balance. With a touch of garlic powder and dry hot mustard, this dish is elevated to a whole new level. The use of kidney beans, lima beans, butter beans, and baked beans ensures a hearty and satisfying meal. Trust in the time-tested appeal of this recipe for a delicious dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Sweet and Sour Beans Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the sweet and sour beans?

The sweet and sour beans typically take about 90 minutes to cook, including preparation and simmering time.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Yes, you can substitute the bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version of the sweet and sour beans.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the bean selection to your preference. Feel free to use your favorite beans or mix and match different varieties.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet and sour beans ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more if you let the dish sit for a while before serving.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover sweet and sour beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3-4 days. Simply reheat before serving.