Welcome to our mouthwatering recipe for Vegan Baked Beans made in the Instant Pot! If you’re a fan of hearty and nutritious vegan dishes, you’re in for a treat. Our recipe uses simple ingredients like dried beans, spices, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar to create flavorful and wholesome baked beans that are perfect for any occasion.
The best part? You don’t need to soak the beans beforehand, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. With this recipe, you can save time and still enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of homemade baked beans. So let’s dive in and discover how to create this delicious vegan dish!
Key Takeaways:
- Our Vegan Baked Beans Instant Pot recipe is made from scratch, using dried beans for a healthier and more flavorful option.
- This recipe requires no soaking of the beans beforehand, thanks to the Instant Pot’s cooking magic.
- With simple ingredients like spices, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, you can customize these vegan baked beans to suit your taste.
- These baked beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a wholesome choice for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting meal, our vegan baked beans are sure to satisfy and impress!
Journey To The Perfect Baked Beans
The journey to creating the perfect homemade vegan baked beans in the Instant Pot has been an exciting one, driven by valuable reader feedback and countless trials. We aimed to develop a recipe that delivers exceptional flavor and texture while simplifying the cooking process. Our method eliminates the need for pre-soaking the beans, saving you time and effort without compromising on taste.
The result of our culinary exploration is a mouthwatering dish of baked beans with a perfectly tender texture and a rich, savory taste that strikes the right balance between sweet and savory.
The secret lies in the combination of carefully selected ingredients. We season the beans with a blend of aromatic spices, tangy mustard, natural sweetness from maple syrup, and a dash of apple cider vinegar to add depth and complexity. With every mouthful, you’ll experience layers of delightful flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
“These baked beans are a staple in my household now. The recipe is straightforward, and the beans turn out perfect every time!” – Emily
Ingredient Notes + Tips
This vegan baked beans recipe is a healthier and more flavorful alternative to using canned beans. By using dried beans, you can have complete control over the ingredients and seasonings, resulting in a delicious dish packed with natural flavors.
The main ingredients for this recipe include:
- Small white beans
- Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Mustard for a tangy kick
- Maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
- Apple cider vinegar to enhance the overall taste
These ingredients work together to create a rich and savory flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while the garlic and onion powder provide depth and complexity to the dish.
To ensure the best results, here are some tips for selecting and preparing the beans:
- Choose small white beans that are fresh and without any signs of damage or discoloration.
- If possible, opt for organic beans to avoid any potential pesticide residues.
- Rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- If you have the time, soak the beans overnight to help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. However, this recipe offers a method to cook the beans without soaking, making it a quick and convenient option.
In addition to the base recipe, you can customize your vegan baked beans with add-ins like jalapeno or bell peppers for a spicy twist. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
How To Make Healthy Baked Beans
Making vegan baked beans from scratch in an Instant Pot is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish. This no-soak vegan baked beans recipe can also be made in a slow cooker for added convenience. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious batch of vegan baked beans.
Sautee onions and spices
To start, heat the Instant Pot on the sautee function and add chopped onions. Sautee until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then, add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Allow the spices to toast for a minute, releasing their flavors.
Add remaining ingredients
Next, add the main ingredients to the Instant Pot. This includes dried small white beans, tomato sauce, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients provide the base for the flavorful vegan baked beans.
Cook under pressure
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 75 minutes on high pressure. This will allow the flavors to meld together while the beans cook to a tender consistency. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function saves time and ensures thorough cooking of the beans.
Allow beans to rest and serve
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. The cooked vegan baked beans can be served immediately or refrigerated for later use.
“These vegan baked beans are a hearty and nutritious addition to any meal. The combination of spices, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar creates a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.”
You can also make a big batch of vegan baked beans ahead of time and enjoy their flavorful taste even more the next day. Reheating the baked beans allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in a richer taste. Serve the vegan baked beans as a side dish to your favorite plant-based proteins or enjoy them as a main course with some crusty bread.
Slow cooker method
If you prefer using a slow cooker, follow the same steps mentioned above but instead of using the Instant Pot, transfer the sauteed onions and spices to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until the beans are tender. The slow cooker method allows for a hands-off approach while still producing delicious vegan baked beans.
Whether you choose to make the vegan baked beans in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, you’ll love the rich flavors and wholesome ingredients of this healthy vegan dish.
Adjusting For Dietary Restrictions and Storage
This vegan baked beans recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adjusted to accommodate various dietary restrictions. Whether you’re following an oil-free or fat-free diet or need to reduce your salt intake, this recipe has got you covered! Here are some simple tips for modifying the recipe to suit your needs:
Oil-Free or Fat-Free Options
To make the recipe oil-free or fat-free, you can skip sautéing the onions in oil. Instead, use water or vegetable broth to sauté the onions. This will help to soften and caramelize the onions without adding any additional fat.
Salt-Free or Salt Substitutes
If you’re watching your sodium intake or prefer to avoid salt altogether, you can make these vegan baked beans without adding any salt. The natural flavors of the beans, spices, and other ingredients will still create a delicious dish. Alternatively, you can explore salt substitutes or use herbs and spices to enhance the flavors without adding sodium.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to properly store your vegan baked beans:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the leftover baked beans to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: If you have a large batch of baked beans and want to save them for longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan baked beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Pair the baked beans with a side of vegan coleslaw for a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
- Serve the beans alongside warm cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- For a complete vegan barbecue feast, add grilled vegetables and tofu skewers to your plate.
Now that you know how to adjust the recipe to meet your dietary needs and store the leftovers properly, you can confidently whip up a batch of these delicious vegan baked beans in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, these Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans will surely satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
| Adjustment | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Oil-Free or Fat-Free | Sauté onions using water or vegetable broth instead of oil. |
| Salt-Free or Salt Substitutes | Omit salt or use salt substitutes, herbs, and spices. |
| Refrigeration | Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. |
| Freezing | Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags. |
| Serving Suggestions | Pair with vegan coleslaw or cornbread, or add grilled vegetables and tofu skewers. |
Conclusion
Making homemade vegan baked beans in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to savor the flavors of this classic dish. With the flexibility to adjust the seasonings and accommodate various dietary restrictions, these baked beans are a versatile and tasty option. Whether you’re hosting a summertime BBQ or craving a comforting winter meal, these Vegan Baked Beans Instant Pot will always be a hit.
Unlike their canned counterparts, these homemade vegan baked beans allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful outcome. The combination of small white beans, spices like smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar creates a robust and mouthwatering taste.
Experience the satisfaction of creating these delicious Vegan Baked Beans Instant Pot from scratch. The recipe is straightforward to follow and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Once you taste the homemade goodness, you’ll never want to go back to canned beans again. Whip up a batch of these Homemade Vegan Baked Beans Instant Pot, and savor the rich flavors and comforting aroma.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans as a shortcut. However, using dried beans will result in a healthier and more flavorful dish.
How long does it take to cook the beans in an Instant Pot?
The beans need to be cooked on high pressure for 75 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions and spices in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Are there any options to customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like diced jalapeno or bell peppers for an extra kick.
Can I make these baked beans without oil or fat?
Yes, you can omit the oil and sauté the onions using water instead. This will result in an oil-free or fat-free version of the recipe.
Are there any options for making these baked beans salt-free?
Yes, you can either reduce or omit the salt in the recipe, or use salt substitutes if you have dietary restrictions.
How should I store the leftover baked beans?
Leftover baked beans can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing.
What are some serving suggestions for the baked beans?
These baked beans pair well with vegan coleslaw or cornbread. They are also great for topping veggie burgers or serving alongside grilled vegetables.
