Slow-Cooked Sweet & Savory Vegetarian Baked Beans
This Slow-Cooked Sweet & Savory Vegetarian Baked Beans recipe features a delightful medley of spices and ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavor that's both comforting and satisfying. Using either black or pinto beans, this dish is accented with the natural sweetness of molasses and brown sugar, complemented by the depth of a slowly sautéed onion (if you choose to include it). Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, these beans develop a rich flavor profile that makes them a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Best of all, this vegetarian version is not overly salty or sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser that's both nutritious and delicious. With a plan to double the recipe, you'll ensure there's plenty to go around!
6
Servings
188
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans or pinto beans
1 lb (Rinsed and drained)
onion
1 small (Chopped fine (optional))
water
7 cups (For boiling and soaking)
molasses
1/4 cup (N/A)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (plus 1 teaspoon if desired) (N/A)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
butter
1/2 cup (Cut into small pieces for dotting)
Instructions
1
Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water. In a large pot, bring 7 cups of water to a boil and add the beans. Boil for 2 minutes, then cover and remove from heat. Let the beans sit for 1 hour.
2
After the soaking period, drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid. In a skillet, optionally sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil or butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Transfer the beans to a crockpot. If using, add the sautéed onion, mixing well.
4
In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the reserved bean liquid, molasses, brown sugar, salt, and dry mustard. Pour this mixture over the beans in the crockpot, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Dot the top with butter.
5
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to reach a tender consistency. For quicker preparation, you can set the crockpot to high and reduce the cooking time to about 3-6 hours, but the low-and-slow method provides a richer flavor.
6
If desired, you can add meat options like salt pork or bacon at the beginning for additional flavor, but this recipe shines on its own as a hearty vegetarian dish.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slow-Cooked Sweet & Savory Vegetarian Baked Beans recipe?
This recipe is a comforting crockpot dish that uses black or pinto beans, molasses, and brown sugar to create a balanced flavor profile perfect for gatherings.
What types of beans can I use for this recipe?
You can use either 1 lb of black beans or 1 lb of pinto beans.
How should I prepare the beans before cooking?
Rinse the beans under cold water, boil them in 7 cups of water for 2 minutes, and then let them soak for 1 hour off the heat.
Is this baked bean recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe, though it provides options for adding meat if you prefer.
Can I add meat to these beans?
Yes, you can add meat options like salt pork or bacon at the beginning of the cooking process for additional flavor.
How long do the beans cook on the low setting?
The beans should cook on low in the crockpot for 6 to 12 hours.
Is there a faster way to cook these beans?
Yes, you can cook them on high for 3 to 6 hours, though the low-and-slow method provides a richer flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 188 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of these beans?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are 5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of sugar.
Is the onion required for this recipe?
No, the small chopped onion is an optional ingredient.
How much molasses do I need?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of molasses.
What amount of brown sugar should I use?
Use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, plus an additional teaspoon if you desire more sweetness.
What spices are used in the mixture?
The sauce mixture includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How is the butter incorporated?
1/2 cup of butter is cut into small pieces and dotted over the top of the beans in the crockpot.
Should I save the water after soaking the beans?
Yes, you should reserve the cooking liquid as you will need 1 1/2 cups of it to mix with the other ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe is designed so that it can easily be doubled to ensure there is enough for everyone.
What is the best way to prepare the onion?
If using an onion, chop it fine and optionally saute it in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish very salty?
No, the recipe is formulated to be balanced and not overly salty or sweet.
What occasions are these beans good for?
They are an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.
How much water is used initially for boiling?
You use 7 cups of water for the initial boil and soak.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water before starting the boiling process.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is a harmonious balance of sweet and savory with a rich depth from slow cooking.
Does the recipe include sodium or cholesterol data?
No, the specific sodium and cholesterol values are not provided in the nutrition facts.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
By cooking the beans low and slow in a crockpot, the flavors develop and blend together effectively.