BBQ Baked Beans

One of the first homemade meals I made while living on my own was BBQ Baked Beans. I got the recipe from a co-worker and was delighted to try it. Back then it was loaded with bacon, sugar and even Busch's baked beans. Fast forward years later to our vegan lifestyle and we've never made baked beans. Say what? I honestly don't know how that is possible! We both loved baked beans growing up. They remind me of family, friends, good eatin' and BBQ's on a hot summer day.

We had some black beans around so I decided to whip some up! It required a little extra effort as I didn't have BBQ sauce, so I decided to make my own! The meal was lick your bowl "is there any more?" good. Whether you pair this meal with french fries...

cornbread or greens...

it is sure to please. I thought they were even better the next day after marinating in all the flavors.

BBQ Baked beans, organic salad and Asparagus!

How do you make them? Start with BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small pot on the stove.
2. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes up to one hour until desired consistency. I simmered ours for 10-20 minutes.
3. Remove from burner, set aside for use in the baked beans. Makes about 1 cup.

Options:

1. Skip this step and use your favorite BBQ Sauce.
2. Use a Vegan Worcester Sauce vs. Soy Sauce
3. Leave out the srirarcha for a less spicy version
4. Start with 1/2 of the amount of apple cider vinegar and add more slowly until acquired taste.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop the onion, bell pepper and garlic. I used our food processor for a quick and easy chop.
3. Heat the vegetable broth in a large pan over medium - medium-high heat and saute the onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft. About 3-5 minutes. Turn off stove, set aside mixture.
4. In an oiled baking dish combine 3 cups of pre-cooked black beans (or two 16 oz cans) the cooked onion, garlic and bell pepper mixture, homemade BBQ sauce and the balance of the ingredients.
5. Stir to combine well. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour, removing to stir as it bakes about 3-5 times.

Options:

1. Use 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce vs. the homemade BBQ sauce.
2. Use your favorite beans, kidney, pinto etc.
3. Leave out the Cayenne pepper for a less spicy version.
4. Add some maple syrup for a sweeter version.

I served ours with french fries the first night:

and then re-heated them on the stove and served with a fresh salad and steamed asparagus the next day. The salad was full of leafy greens, lime juice, peeled carrot slices, cucumber, red cabbage, white onion and jicama. The Asparagus was steamed in vegetable broth and lime juice, seasoned with black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne and a dash of turmeric for a different spin.

For french fries I simply sliced 2 potatoes, laid them in a single layer on a pan, sprinkled with salt and pepper, flipping halfway. I placed the pan next to the beans for an easy meal. No oil and absolutely delicious!

I hope you enjoy this meal as much as we did! We don't have ANY leftovers, they were the first to go in our house. They taste BETTER than the ones I used to make with bacon and are much healthier too! We both were so happy with how good they were. "Tastes like baked beans" said by husband with a smile. Success!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend and lots of love!
​
From our kitchen to yours!
Christa
xoxoxo