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Flavorful Vegan Baked Beans with Maple Syrup

vegan baked beans with maple syrup - featured image

A quick and easy vegan baked beans recipe featuring navy beans simmered and baked with a smoky, sweet maple syrup sauce. Perfect as a comforting side or a hearty plant-based meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak 2 cups in cold water overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse well before cooking. If canned, rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
  2. Place soaked beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water (about 4 cups), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. (If using canned, skip to step 3.)
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, liquid smoke (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
  5. Add cooked beans and 2 cups vegetable broth to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat beans evenly without breaking them up.
  6. Transfer everything to an oven-safe baking dish if not already in one. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sauce is thickened and beans have absorbed most of the liquid. They should be sticky but not dry.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Let beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken further.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is essential for creamy texture. Use canned beans for a quicker version but reduce baking time. Liquid smoke is optional but recommended for smoky flavor. Stir gently during baking to avoid breaking beans. Add broth if sauce dries too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan baked beans, maple syrup baked beans, plant-based side dish, smoky baked beans, easy vegan recipe