Vegan Calico Beans
I remember my dad making calico beans for every potluck or family function. This was a recipe that I remember my grandmother making, my dad, and now me. Except for me…I don’t eat meat. Join me as I turn this time tested recipe and make it vegan.
INGREDIENTS
½ package of Vegan bacon (optional)
1 onion
½ tbsp minced garlic
1 red pepper
1 can pork and beans (vegan)
1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 can tri-blend beans (kidney, pinto and black beans) drained and rinsed
1 can butter beans
¼ - ½ cup brown sugar depending on your taste
¾ tomato puree
2 tsp vinegar
1 tbsp brown mustard
¼ tsp SPG seasoning
1 tsp paprika
STEPS
Fry up the “bacon”. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Add vegetables to slow cooker along with all other ingredients and slow cook on high for 4 hours.
A Word About Protein
This dish is traditionally made with ground beef. With all the beans in this recipe, additional protein isn’t needed but you could add Seitan if you want to add something to replace the ground beef.
NOTE: This is fantastic for a cookout or potluck. It also freezes well! You can freeze individual or family portions and have a quick side dish ready at any moment.
