Smoky Vegetarian New England Baked Beans
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful rendition of classic New England Baked Beans that's entirely vegetarian and packed with rich, smoky flavors. This comforting dish features tender navy beans simmered slowly in a blend of sweet ketchup, brown sugar, and aromatic spices with a hint of Liquid Smoke, making it perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or as a side to your favorite comfort foods. Easy to prepare in your Crock Pot, these beans will surely satisfy with their delightful taste and wholesome ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
3 cups (rinsed)
water
9 cups (for boiling beans)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
ketchup
1 cup (none)
brown sugar
1 cup (none)
water
1 cup (additional for beans)
dry mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
molasses
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 tablespoon or to taste (none)
Liquid Smoke
1 teaspoon (added for smokiness)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water to remove any debris or dust.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans and 9 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours until they are tender.
3
After cooking, drain the beans and transfer them to a Crock Pot.
4
Finely chop the medium onion and add it to the Crock Pot along with the ketchup, brown sugar, additional cup of water, dry mustard, molasses, salt, and Liquid Smoke. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
5
Cover the Crock Pot and cook the bean mixture on LOW for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Stir occasionally if possible.
6
Before serving, adjust salt to taste and enjoy your smoky baked beans as a delightful side dish or a hearty vegetarian main.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in Smoky Vegetarian New England Baked Beans?
The primary ingredients include dried navy beans, water, a medium onion, ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, molasses, salt, and Liquid Smoke.
Is this baked bean recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How long do I need to simmer the dried navy beans initially?
The dried navy beans should be simmered in boiling water for approximately 1 1/2 hours until they become tender.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
You will need a large pot for the initial boiling and a Crock Pot (slow cooker) for the long-duration cooking process.
What gives these vegetarian beans a smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor is provided by the addition of 1 teaspoon of Liquid Smoke.
How much water is needed to boil the beans?
You should use 9 cups of water to boil the 3 cups of dried navy beans.
How long should the beans cook in the Crock Pot?
The bean mixture should be cooked on the LOW setting for at least 8 hours.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the Crock Pot?
No, you can simply finely chop the medium onion and add it directly to the Crock Pot with the other ingredients.
How much brown sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of brown sugar.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of dry mustard.
Do I need to rinse the beans before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the dried navy beans under cold water to remove any debris or dust before boiling.
Is there molasses in these New England Baked Beans?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of molasses to achieve the traditional New England flavor profile.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely, these beans are hearty enough to be served as a vegetarian main dish or as a side.
Do I need to add more water after the beans are in the slow cooker?
Yes, after transferring the drained beans to the Crock Pot, you should add one additional cup of water.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or as a side to your favorite comfort foods.
Should I stir the beans while they are in the slow cooker?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the mixture occasionally if possible during the 8-hour cooking period.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 1 tablespoon of salt and adjusting to taste before serving.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 cups of dried navy beans.
Can I use ketchup in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of ketchup to provide sweetness and acidity.
What is the texture of the beans after cooking?
The beans become tender and are coated in a rich, thick sauce after simmering slowly in the Crock Pot.
Is this recipe considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is designed to be a satisfying, hearty meal.
Can this be made in a standard slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for a Crock Pot or similar slow cooker.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the water used for boiling and the water added to the slow cooker.
Is this a New England style recipe?
Yes, it is a vegetarian rendition of classic New England Baked Beans.
When should I adjust the final seasoning?
You should adjust the salt to your personal preference just before serving.
Does the recipe require boiling the beans first?
Yes, the dried beans must be boiled for 90 minutes before being transferred to the slow cooker.
Is the onion finely chopped or sliced?
The onion should be finely chopped for this recipe.
Can I use this recipe for a barbecue side dish?
Yes, these smoky baked beans are highly recommended as a side for barbecues.
What heat setting is used to boil the beans initially?
Bring them to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that mainly involves simmering and slow cooking.