Description
This Delicious Vegan Baked Beans recipe offers a comforting and flavorful plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Made with Great Northern white beans simmered in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a hearty side. The combination of smoked paprika, liquid smoke, molasses, and vegan Worcestershire sauce creates layers of umami and depth, while fresh parsley adds a bright finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying vegan comfort food everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 splash liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Main Ingredient
- 3 cups Great Northern white beans, rinsed
Seasonings and Garnish
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
- Combine the flavorings: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, and 1 teaspoon of mustard. Stir for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add the smoky elements: Introduce 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke. Stir for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Incorporate the beans: Gently fold in 3 cups of rinsed Great Northern white beans. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Season and simmer: Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting vegan baked beans!
Notes
- Substitute the extra virgin olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Use shallots or leeks instead of yellow onion for a milder, sweeter taste.
- If garlic cloves are unavailable, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder per 2 cloves.
- Swap tomato paste with canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- For gluten-free options, replace vegan Worcestershire sauce with tamari or soy sauce.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
- If liquid smoke is not available, you can omit it; the smoked paprika still provides a smoky flavor.
- Use cannellini or navy beans as alternatives to Great Northern beans if preferred.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with cilantro for a different fresh herb note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vegan baked beans, comfort food, Great Northern beans, smoky baked beans, plant-based recipe, easy vegan recipe
