Vegan Lentil Baked "Beans"

Vegan Lentil Baked "Beans"

Baked Beans and summertime go hand and hand, making a perfect pair. But when I see baked beans, I don't usually think of lentils. This great side dish is a new way to think of a summer time side dish. With the replacement of lentils, you get an even better recipe to enjoy. These ingredients are simple but when combined, turn into a DELISH dish! This recipe shows you how to make a traditionally yummy and  perfect baked bean...but NEW and improved, plus they are vegan....BONUS! These "beans" continue to stew away during the day and fill your house with a mouth watering aroma that any family member will love. Great for any picnic, BBQ, party, or family night, you can't go wrong. You will have your family and friends asking for seconds and thirds, as well as the recipe. Perfect paired with your favorite main dishes as well as a great late night snack...yeah we all do it too. Serve hot or enjoy cold with your favorite main dish. And we won't tell if you sneak tastes out of the pot here and there, but make sure you leave enough for the family too! Enjoy!

Vegan Lentil Baked "Beans"

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegan bacon (any kind you like, I used the salad topping kind)

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups lentils, thoroughly rinsed

6 to 7 cups water 

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup yellow mustard

2 Tablespoons maple syrup

3 Tablespoons cider vinegar

1 Tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons brown sugar sugar

2 Tablespoons mustard powder

1 large bay leaf

1 teaspoon liquid smoke 

2 Tablespoons molasses 

Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients

Heat the oven to 350 degrees

In a large dutch oven (the kind that can go on the stove-top and in the oven). Add the lentils, water, and the remaining ingredients.

*TIP: You can  boil your lentils beforehand to lesson the cooking time OR you can also make these in a Crockpot for even more of a set and forget recipe.*

Stir well to incorporate everything.

Cover, place in oven, and bake for 1 to 2 hours, or until lentils are tender. Adjust water content if needed while they bake. They can dry out while cooking, if so, just add a little water and continue to cook. Once the lentils are cooked threw and tender, serve immediately or enjoy later at room temperature. Serve along side your other summer time favorites and enjoy!

Ready to Serve Lentils

 -Amy