Easy Vegan Baked Beans: A Taste of Home

The scent of baked beans always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember her huge, earthenware pot bubbling away on the stovetop, filling the house with a sweet and savory aroma. It was a labor of love that took hours, but these Easy Vegan Baked Beans capture the essence of that comforting flavor in a fraction of the time, and without any animal products.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 5
• Yield: Approximately 4 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free (naturally)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, do not drain
• ½ cup tomatoes, crushed (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Casserole dish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important that the oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking and prevent the beans from drying out.

2. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and softened. This step mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out its sweetness.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with the undrained can of great northern beans, crushed tomatoes, maple syrup (or barley malt syrup), soy sauce, and mustard. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.

5. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. You can use any oven-safe dish, but a standard 8×8 inch dish works well.

6. Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil. I chose to leave it uncovered, since it seemed juicier than I wanted. Feel free to experiment, covering the dish to retain moisture, or leaving it uncovered to thicken the sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Adjust sweetness: Taste the beans after baking and adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more maple syrup or barley malt syrup if desired.

• Spice it up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

• Smoked flavor: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor, mimicking the traditional smoky flavor of baked beans cooked with bacon.

• Make it ahead: These baked beans can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight!

• Thickening the sauce: If your beans are too watery after baking, remove the lid (if you used one) and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Easy Vegan Baked Beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish with vegan burgers, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. They’re also delicious served on toast for a hearty breakfast or lunch.

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply microwave the beans until heated through, or warm them up in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if they seem too dry.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	145.7 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	28 g	20%
Total Fat	3.2 g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	238.9 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	24.1 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	5.5 g	21%
Sugars	6.8 g	–
Protein	6.6 g	13%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Bean variations: Feel free to substitute other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. A mix of different beans can also be delicious!

• Sweetener options: If you don’t have maple syrup or barley malt syrup, you can use brown sugar, molasses, or agave nectar as a sweetener. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

• Tomato variations: Instead of crushed tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your soy sauce and mustard to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten allergy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe. This will add considerably to the total cooking time.

Q: Can I add vegetables other than onion and garlic?
A: Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, celery, or even mushrooms would be great additions to this recipe.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the mixture before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these baked beans?
A: Yes, they freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What is barley malt syrup and where can I find it?
A: Barley malt syrup is a natural sweetener made from sprouted barley. It has a rich, molasses-like flavor. You can usually find it in health food stores or online.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Vegan Baked Beans are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with different variations and substitutions. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking. And most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delicious results!