Homemade baked beans

Discover the heartwarming flavors of our vegan homemade baked beans, a recipe that promises to delight your taste buds while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle. Crafted with a rich blend of tender beans, tangy tomatoes, and a symphony of herbs and spices, this dish is a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both nutritious and cruelty-free.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, vegan baked beans are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring each spoonful is bursting with homestyle goodness. Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to nourish their body and soul. Dive into this classic with a twist and savor the satisfaction of a meal that’s kind to your health and the environment.

Homemade Baked Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Baked beans are a staple in many diets around the world, known for their comforting warmth and rich flavors. Traditionally, baked beans recipes include animal products, but the rise of veganism has brought about a delightful array of plant-based alternatives that promise the same satisfying taste without any animal-derived ingredients.

A classic vegan baked beans recipe starts with a base of navy or great northern beans, which are known for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors well. These beans are then combined with a rich sauce made from a blend of tomato paste, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a mix of savory spices. Some recipes also suggest a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add that characteristic smoky flavor often associated with baked beans.

The beauty of vegan baked beans lies in their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish, paired with a slice of crusty bread, or served as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks. They’re also incredibly easy to customize according to personal taste preferences. For a sweeter version, some might add maple syrup, while others might prefer a tangier taste with an extra splash of vinegar.

For those looking to avoid refined sugars, substitutions like pure maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar, and canned tomato sauce can replace ketchup for a less processed option. Additionally, for an oil-free version, vegetables can be sautéed in water instead of oil, making the dish even healthier.

Vegan baked beans are not only delicious but also nutritious. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them a great option for those on a plant-based diet. They’re also rich in essential nutrients like iron and potassium.

Easy and tasty vegan dish

Preparing homemade baked beans is straightforward and requires minimal active cooking time. After sautéing onions and garlic to bring out their flavors, the sauce ingredients are mixed in, followed by the beans. The mixture is then transferred to a baking dish and cooked in the oven until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to perfection.

For those short on time or looking for a more convenient option, canned beans can be used as a shortcut without compromising on taste. This approach significantly reduces the preparation time, making it possible to enjoy homemade vegan baked beans even on busy weeknights.

In conclusion, vegan baked beans are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful. Give it a try and discover the joys of a classic comfort food, reinvented for a modern, health-conscious kitchen.

The Quest for the Perfect Bean: A Guide to Baked Beans

Homemade baked beans are a beloved classic, a comfort food that has graced many a dinner table and outdoor gathering. But what makes the perfect baked bean? It’s not just about the sauce or the seasoning; the foundation of any great baked bean dish lies in the choice of beans.

The traditional choice for baked beans is the navy bean, a small but mighty legume that holds its shape and texture well through the long cooking process. Navy beans are known for their tender interior and ability to absorb flavors, making them the ideal canvas for the rich, sweet, and tangy sauce they’re often cooked in.

However, the world of beans is vast and varied, and there are other contenders for the title of “best bean for baked beans.” Kidney beans, with their robust size and hearty texture, can stand up to the bold flavors of a baked bean recipe. Pinto beans, another popular choice, offer a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that can complement the sweetness of the dish.

For those looking to experiment, cannellini and Great Northern beans are also excellent options. Cannellini beans, similar in shape to kidney beans but with a lighter, more delicate flavor, can add an interesting twist to your baked beans. Great Northern beans, on the other hand, are medium-sized and have a firm flesh that holds up well to baking, providing a satisfying bite.

When selecting beans for your baked beans, consider the cooking method as well. Dried beans require soaking and a longer cooking time, but they offer a cost-effective and customizable approach to your dish. Canned beans, while convenient, may not provide the same level of control over texture and salt content, but they can be a great time-saver for those last-minute meal preparations.

In conclusion, the best bean for baked beans is largely a matter of personal preference and the specific qualities you’re looking for in your dish. Whether you stick with the tried-and-true navy bean or venture into the realm of kidney, pinto, cannellini, or Great Northern beans, the key is to choose a bean that will hold up to the cooking process and meld harmoniously with the other ingredients in your recipe. Happy cooking, and may your quest for the perfect baked bean lead you to delicious discoveries!

Affordable and environmentally friendly food

Beans are also an economically sound choice. They are cheap compared to meat or cheese, and can be stored for a long time dried or canned. Beans are also easy to prepare. Dried beans are soaked in water overnight before cooking. Canned beans can only be rinsed and added directly to food.

Beans are also versatile, as they are suitable for recipes from many different food cultures. Beans can be used to make, for example, Mexican chilipata or Texmex salad, Indian dal, Italian minestrone soup or pasta e fagioli or Finnish bean soup. Beans can also be made into vegetable patties or meatballs or used as a bread topping in the form of hummus or bean paste.

Beans are also environmentally friendly compared to animal protein sources. Beans require less water, land and energy to grow and produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Beans improve the quality of the soil as nitrogen fixers, i.e. they bind nitrogen from the air to the ground, keeping the soil fertile.

So beans are a great addition to the diet for many reasons. They are nutritious, filling, affordable, versatile and environmentally friendly. Beans provide plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that support health and well-being. Beans are good for both vegetarian and mixed diets, and can be used in many different dishes. So feel free to try different types of beans and recipes, and enjoy beans as part of a balanced and tasty diet.

How to prepare dried beans?

This homemade baked bean recipe calls for canned beans, but you can also use dried beans, if you wish.

Preparing dried beans is easy, but it does require some time and patience. Here are the basic steps:

1. Rinse the beans: Place the dried beans in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Soak the beans: Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. The beans should be covered by at least 5 cm of water. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3. Drain and rinse the beans: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again under cold running water.
4. Cook the beans: Place the soaked and rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let the beans simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.

Soaking and cooking times for various beans

Bean	Soaking time	Cooking time
Kidney Beans	8-12 hours	90-120 minutes
Pinto Beans	8-12 hours	90-120 minutes
Black Beans	4-6 hours	60-90 minutes
Chickpeas	8-12 hours	90-120 minutes
Lentils	No soaking needed	20-30 minutes
Navy Beans	8-12 hours	90-120 minutes
Cannellini Beans	8-12 hours	90-120 minutes

Soaking beans helps reduce cooking time and improves their texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them soak for 1 hour before cooking.

Homemade baked beans

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Course Side Dish

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 cans navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed 400 g each can
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
3/4 dl pure maple syrup
3/4 dl light brown sugar
1/2 dl tomato paste
1/2 dl apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce ensure it's gluten-free if necessary
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smokier flavor
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for a spicy kick
1-2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add the drained and rinsed beans to the pot and stir until they are coated with the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil.
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

1. Know Your Beans: The type of bean you choose can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your dish. For instance, navy beans are commonly used in Boston baked beans for their thin skin and smooth texture, while Maine baked beans often use a thicker, starchier bean.

2. The Sweet Balance: Sweetness is a hallmark of baked beans, but the source of that sweetness can vary. Molasses gives Boston baked beans their distinctive taste, while brown sugar or maple syrup can be used for a different flavor profile. Don't be afraid to experiment with honey or other sweeteners to find your perfect match.

3. Slow Cooking is Key: To achieve that deep, rich flavor, baked beans should be cooked slowly. This allows the beans to absorb all the delicious flavors you've added to your pot. If you're short on time, a slow cooker can be an excellent tool for this process.

4. Soak Your Beans: If you're using dried beans, soaking them overnight can help speed up the cooking process and result in a more even texture. Just be sure to discard the soaking water and use fresh water for cooking.

5. Seasoning Matters: While it's tempting to add a lot of salt, remember that ingredients like bacon or broth can already contain a good amount of sodium. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste as your beans cook.

6. The Right Cookware: Traditional baked beans are cooked in stoneware or ceramics, which can withstand the long cooking times required for the dish. If you're using an oven, a covered casserole dish is a good modern alternative.

7. Adjusting Thickness: If your beans are too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if they're too thin, continue cooking with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

8. The Aftermath: Baked beans are known for causing a bit of digestive discomfort due to their high fiber content. Rinsing canned beans can help reduce the sodium and the gassiness that sometimes follows a hearty bean meal.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious batch of baked beans that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Remember, the best dishes come from a combination of quality ingredients, patience, and a touch of personal flair. Happy cooking!