Savory Slow-Cooked Bean Medley with Rich Tomato Sauce
Indulge in a hearty and wholesome dish that combines the rich flavors of beans simmered in a luscious tomato sauce. This savory medley is perfect as a stand-alone meal when paired with freshly baked biscuits or warm, crusty buns. Alternatively, serve it alongside smoky barbecued ribs for a delicious and filling side. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping, this recipe yields a generous 14 cups of comfort food that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Designed for a slow cooker between 4.5 to 6.5 litres, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
14
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried small white beans or navy beans
2 cups (soaked overnight and cooked until tender)
tomato sauce
680 ml (canned)
vegetable stock
1 cup (liquid)
water or beer
1/2 cup (liquid)
barbecue sauce
1/2 cup (liquid)
cooking molasses
1/3 cup (liquid)
maple syrup
1/3 cup (liquid)
medium onion
1 (finely diced)
dried mustard
2 tablespoons (dry)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
salt and freshly ground pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
The night before, place the dried beans in a large pot and cover them with 10 cups of cold water. Allow the beans to soak at room temperature overnight.
2
Once soaked, drain the beans and transfer them back into the pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are just tender. Drain well and set aside.
3
In your slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, vegetable stock, water (or beer), barbecue sauce, cooking molasses, maple syrup, finely diced onion, dried mustard, chili powder, and ground cumin. Stir until well mixed.
4
Gently fold in the drained beans into the slow cooker mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for about 8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5
Before serving, taste the bean medley and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Savory Slow-Cooked Bean Medley with Rich Tomato Sauce.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include dried beans, tomato sauce, vegetable stock, barbecue sauce, molasses, maple syrup, and various spices.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dried small white beans or navy beans.
How should the beans be prepared before slow cooking?
The beans must be soaked overnight in 10 cups of water, then simmered for 45 to 60 minutes until just tender.
How long should the beans soak?
The dried beans should soak in cold water at room temperature overnight.
What volume of tomato sauce is required?
You will need 680 ml of canned tomato sauce.
Can I use beer in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of beer as an alternative to water in the slow cooker mixture.
What kind of stock is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of liquid vegetable stock.
How much barbecue sauce is added?
The medley requires 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce.
What sweeteners are used in the sauce?
The sauce is sweetened with 1/3 cup of cooking molasses and 1/3 cup of maple syrup.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be finely diced before being added to the slow cooker.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried mustard, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
How much dried mustard is included?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried mustard.
Is chili powder used in this medley?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much ground cumin is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the total yield of this recipe?
This recipe yields a generous 14 cups of bean medley.
What size slow cooker is best for this dish?
A slow cooker with a capacity between 4.5 to 6.5 litres is recommended.
How long does the medley cook in the slow cooker?
It should cook on the low setting for approximately 8 hours.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Taste the bean medley and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.
What can I serve with these beans as a main meal?
They are delicious when paired with freshly baked biscuits or warm, crusty buns.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is a perfect filling side for smoky barbecued ribs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the large yield makes it ideal for meal prepping or family gatherings.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is vegetarian.
Does this dish have a smoky flavor?
Yes, the combination of barbecue sauce and spices provides a smoky flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to provide 14 servings.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and wholesome comfort food dish.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is to soak the dried beans in 10 cups of cold water overnight.
What should the texture of the beans be?
The beans should be tender and the flavors should meld together beautifully after slow cooking.
Can I substitute navy beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dried small white beans or navy beans.