Here’s a delicious recipe for Vegetarian Baked Beans that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a hearty side for any meal.

Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• Beans:
  • 3 cups cooked pinto beans (about 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup vegetable broth (or water)
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a baking dish (about 1-quart) with nonstick spray.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Stir in the vegetable broth, molasses, brown sugar, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all ingredients well.
4. Combine Beans and Sauce:
   • In a large bowl, mix the drained beans with the prepared sauce until well coated.
   • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. They will thicken more as they cool.
   • Enjoy them warm as a side dish or main course!

Tips:

• Customize Your Beans: You can use other types of beans like navy beans or black beans based on your preference.
• Make Ahead: These baked beans can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.
• Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, sauté the onion and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours.

This Vegetarian Baked Beans recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture!