Baked Beans Vegetarian-style

Introduction

History

The history of baked beans dates back to Native Americans, who cooked beans with maple syrup and bear fat. The dish was later adapted by European settlers, who introduced molasses and pork. Over time, baked beans became a staple in American cuisine, particularly in New England. This vegetarian version of the classic recipe maintains the traditional flavors while offering a meat-free alternative.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture. Adding a piece of kombu seaweed to the beans while they cook can help make them more digestible. Be sure to check the beans occasionally during the slow cooking process and add more liquid if necessary to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegetarian baked beans as a hearty side dish with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite whole grain bread. They also make a great topping for baked potatoes or a filling addition to a vegetarian burrito.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is key to developing the deep, rich flavors in this dish. If you don't have a crock pot, you can bake the beans in a covered oven-safe dish at 250°F (120°C) for 6-8 hours, checking and stirring occasionally.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have navy or kidney beans, you can use other types of beans such as pinto or black beans. Maple syrup can be used in place of molasses for a different flavor profile. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the baked beans in a rustic ceramic dish for a homey and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

These vegetarian baked beans pair well with a variety of dishes. Try them with cornbread, coleslaw, or a green bean salad for a complete meal. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea on a hot day.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this vegetarian baked beans recipe contains approximately 290 calories, making it a nutritious and filling option that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This vegetarian baked beans recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, providing about 37 grams per serving. The beans are rich in complex carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy for the body. The molasses and brown sugar also contribute simple sugars, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish.

Fats

Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 12 grams of fat, primarily from the butter. Using unsalted butter helps control the sodium content, and for a healthier option, you can substitute it with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Proteins

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, and this recipe provides about 14 grams of protein per serving. This makes it a satisfying option for vegetarians and those looking to increase their protein intake without relying on meat.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. The beans themselves are a particularly good source of folate, which is important for heart health and prenatal nutrition.

Alergens

This recipe is free from most common allergens, including nuts, soy, and gluten. However, those with specific dietary restrictions should check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they meet their needs.

Summary

Overall, this vegetarian baked beans recipe is a nutritious and balanced dish. It provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a healthy choice for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food in a vegetarian-friendly way.

Summary

This vegetarian-style baked beans recipe is a nutritious and delicious take on a classic dish. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main course, it's a comforting and satisfying option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Baked Beans Vegetarian-style. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a visit to the local farmers market with a bounty of fresh vegetables in tow. As I unpacked my bags and surveyed the colorful array of produce on my kitchen counter, my mind began to race with possibilities of what I could create with these ingredients.

I had always been a fan of traditional baked beans, but I wanted to try something different this time. I wanted to make a dish that was not only delicious but also healthy and vegetarian-friendly. As I browsed through my collection of cookbooks and recipe cards, I stumbled upon a handwritten note tucked away in the back of one of my old cookbooks. It was a recipe for Baked Beans Vegetarian-style that I had received from a dear friend many years ago.

I remembered the day my friend had shared the recipe with me. We were sitting on her porch, sipping iced tea and enjoying the warm summer breeze. She had just finished making a batch of these delicious baked beans and had offered me a taste. I was blown away by how flavorful and satisfying they were, despite being meatless. I had asked her for the recipe, and she had graciously written it down for me on a scrap piece of paper.

As I read through the recipe again, memories of that day flooded back to me. I could almost taste the tangy sweetness of the molasses and the smoky undertones of the paprika. I knew that I had to make these baked beans again, and so I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients.

I diced up some onions and garlic and sautéed them in a bit of olive oil until they were soft and translucent. Then, I added a can of drained and rinsed white beans, along with some tomato paste, molasses, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. I stirred everything together and let it simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

As the aroma of the beans filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but smile. I knew that this dish was going to be a hit, not only with me but with my family as well. I had always loved sharing my culinary creations with my loved ones, and I knew that this recipe was going to be no exception.

After letting the beans simmer for a while, I transferred them to a baking dish and popped them into the oven to bake. As they bubbled away in the heat, I began to prepare some cornbread to serve alongside them. The sweet, crumbly bread would be the perfect accompaniment to the savory beans.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the baked beans out of the oven and set them on the table, steaming and fragrant. I could hardly wait to dig in, but I knew that I had to wait for my family to gather around first. As we sat down to eat, I watched with satisfaction as everyone took their first bite of the beans and their faces lit up in delight.

These Baked Beans Vegetarian-style had truly exceeded my expectations. They were rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess. The addition of the smoked paprika had added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced in traditional baked beans before.

As we all sat around the table, enjoying our meal together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friends and family who had shared their recipes with me over the years. Each dish that I had learned to make had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it all the more special.

And as I took another bite of the baked beans, savoring the flavors and textures, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. It was a dish that brought people together, that sparked conversation and laughter, and that filled our hearts and bellies with warmth and joy.

As the sun began to set outside, casting a golden glow over the kitchen table, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I knew that no matter what challenges life threw my way, I would always have my love of cooking and my cherished recipes to sustain me.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious baked beans, I leaned back in my chair and smiled. Life was good.

Categories

| American Recipes | Baked Bean Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | Dry Mustard Recipes | Kidney Bean Recipes | Maple Syrup Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Navy Bean Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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