This easy and quick recipe for vegan Boston baked beans can be prepared on the stove-top and ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve a dollop of smoky, sweet and rich baked beans on top of your favourite toasted bread for a tasty lunch or light dinner. Or enjoy as a side... along with anything really!
Heat the oil or ½ cup of veggie stock, and over a medium heat saute the onions, garlic and vegan bacon pieces for 5-8 minutes. Stir frequently. If it begins to stick just add a few tablespoons of water, but not too much. A little browning on the pan just adds to the flavour!
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the sauce thickens up. The sauce will continue to thicken when the heat is turned off.
Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. A sprinkle of red pepper or paprika flakes is a tasty additional seasoning.
If vegan bacon was omitted, 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke can be stirred through the beans at the end of cooking to achieve the smoky flavour.
Notes
Nutritional information is provided for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
Store leftover Boston baked beans in a covered container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Or freeze for 3-4 months.
Defrost completely before reheating.
Reheat in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until piping hot throughout.
Or microwave until nice and hot.
Add a small amount of water if necessary to loosen up the bean sauce, but not too much water as the sauce will loose thickness as it reheats.
If you cooked your own beans from dried, then the bean cooking water can be reserved and used to make up the vegan broth/stock.
For gluten-free baked beans use gluten-free vegan stock, tamari soy sauce and gluten-free vegan bacon if using.
Vegan bacon can be replaced with a few vegan sausages or burgers, or diced mushrooms. Or omitted altogether. The vegan bacon adds texture and smoky flavours so if not using then perhaps add 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke at the end of cooking, or add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika along with the sugar, molasses, mustard powder, etc.