Looking for a treat that won’t weigh on your conscience? Explore a universe of taste with our Low Carb Baked Beans! Envision it: a deep, savory delight that doesn’t pack on the carbs. Perfect for those keeping an eye on their carbohydrate intake or simply bean lovers, these beans transform the concept of gratification. Picture the traditional flavor of baked beans, now tailored to fit your low-carb diet.
Ingredients for Low Carb Baked Beans
When it comes to making low carb baked beans, there are a few primary ingredients you’ll need to get started. These include black soybeans, tomato sauce, and spices like garlic powder and onion powder. Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients you’ll need:
Primary Ingredients
- Black Soy Beans: Black soybeans are a great low carb alternative to traditional baked beans. They’re high in fiber and low in total carbohydrates, making them the perfect replacement for high carb beans. You can find them in most health food stores or online.
- Tomato Sauce: Instead of using ketchup, which is often high in sugar, this recipe calls for tomato sauce. Look for a brand that has no added sugar to keep the carb count low.
- Spices: To give your baked beans plenty of flavor, you’ll want to add a few spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are all great options.
Optional Add-ons
While the primary ingredients are all you need to make a basic batch of low carb baked beans, there are a few optional add-ons you can include to customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Ground Beef: Adding some ground beef to the mix can help reduce the carb count even further. Meats are always a good zero carb ingredient. Plus, it gives the dish a heartier texture.
- Bacon: For a smoky, savory flavor, consider adding some chopped bacon to your baked beans. Just be sure to look for a brand that doesn’t have any added sugars.
- Sweetener: If you want your baked beans to have a touch of sweetness, you can add a low carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Just be sure to use it sparingly to keep the carb count low. If you keep the carb content in mind, you can also use a small amount of brown sugar.
Preparation Method of Low Carb Baked Beans
As a fan of baked beans, I love finding ways to make them healthier and lower in carbs. Here’s my go-to recipe for low carb baked beans that still taste delicious.
Preparation Steps
To start, gather all of the ingredients you’ll need. You’ll need canned black soybeans, bacon, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and liquid smoke.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until soft. Then, add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and liquid smoke. Stir everything together until well combined.
Drain the canned black soybeans and rinse them well. Add them to the skillet along with the cooked bacon. Stir everything together until the beans are well coated in the sauce.
Baking Instructions
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are heated through.
Serve the low carb baked beans hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Low Carb Baked Beans
As someone who has experimented with low carb baked beans, I can tell you that they are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions that I have personally tried and enjoyed:
- As a side dish: Low carb baked beans pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve them alongside a salad for a lighter meal.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Spread low carb baked beans onto a wrap or sandwich for added flavor and texture. They work especially well with avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Remember to use low carb wraps to keep your carb count low.
- As a dip: Serve low carb baked beans as a dip with vegetable sticks or low carb crackers. You can also add some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
- In a casserole: Use low carb baked beans as a base for a casserole. Layer them with vegetables, cheese, and meat for a filling and nutritious meal.
- As a topping: Low carb baked beans make a great topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also sprinkle some chopped herbs or grated cheese on top for added flavor.
Storing and Reheating Low Carb Baked Beans
As with any leftovers, storing and reheating low carb baked beans can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your beans stay fresh and delicious:
Storing
- Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you have a large batch of beans, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Divide the beans into smaller portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label the containers or bags with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
Reheating
- To reheat the beans, you can either microwave them or heat them up on the stove. If using the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- If reheating on the stove, add a splash of water or broth to the beans to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium-low until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Tips
- If the beans are too thick after reheating, you can add a bit of water or broth to thin them out.
- You can also add some additional seasonings or spices to the beans to give them a fresh flavor. Try adding some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- If you are short on time, you can also add the leftover beans to a salad or wrap for a quick and easy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to making low carb baked beans, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. Here are some of the most common mistakes to look out for:
Using Regular Baked Beans
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to make low carb baked beans is using regular baked beans as a base. Regular baked beans are loaded with sugar and carbs, which makes them unsuitable for a low carb diet. Instead, you should look for low carb baked bean recipes that use ingredients like navy beans, pinto beans, and black soybeans as a base.
Using High Carb Ingredients
When making low carb baked beans, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients you use. Some common high carb ingredients to avoid include bread crumbs, pasta, and cereal. Instead, look for recipes that use low carb ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or psyllium husk powder.
Not Soaking Your Beans
If you’re using dried beans for your low carb baked beans, it’s important to soak them overnight before cooking. This helps to remove the phytic acid and other anti-nutrients that can make it difficult for your body to absorb the nutrients in the beans. Soaking your beans also helps to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
Not Cooking Your Beans Long Enough
Finally, it’s important to cook your beans long enough to ensure that they are tender and flavourful. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on the recipe you’re using. Be sure to check your beans regularly and add more liquid if necessary to prevent them from drying out.
Where to buy Low Carb Baked Beans
As someone who is always on the lookout for low carb options, I understand the struggle of finding tasty and healthy foods. When it comes to baked beans, the challenge is even greater as they are typically loaded with sugar and carbs. However, fear not! I have done the research for you and found some great options for where to buy low carb baked beans.
1. Bush’s Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans
Bush’s Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans are a fantastic option for those looking for a low carb alternative. With only 14g of net carbs per serving, these beans are an excellent source of fiber and contain no added sugar. They are also vegetarian and gluten-free, making them a great choice for people with dietary restrictions. You can find them in 15.8 oz and 27.5 oz sizes in most grocery stores.
2. BUSH’S Less Sugar and Sodium Brown Sugar Baked Beans
Another great option from Bush’s is their Less Sugar and Sodium Brown Sugar Baked Beans. With 25% less sugar and sodium than their regular Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans, these beans still offer a touch of sweetness without the added carbs. But they have 24g net carbs per serving and with that hard on the edge to be a low carb version. They are also free from artificial sweeteners and flavors. You can find them in 15.7 oz cans in most grocery stores.
3. Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz
Introducing Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz – a healthier choice with 25% less salt compared to regular Heinz Beanz. Packed with goodness, they are naturally rich in protein and fiber. Enjoy the sweetness of stevia, as these beans contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Perfect for both vegetarians and vegans. They contain 12g of net carbs per serving.
4. Online Retailers
During my research, I found only the version you can see above. Maybe there are more versions at your favorite online food shop. Please let me know when you find something else so I can update the list. Just be sure to check the nutritional information and ingredients before making a purchase.
Comparison
Nutrition per 100g | Bush’s Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans | BUSH’S Less Sugar and Sodium Brown Sugar Baked Beans | Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz |
Calories | 93 | 110 | 68 |
Total Fat | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0 |
Cholesterol | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sodium | 460mg | 300mg | 44mg |
Total Carb | 20g | 22g | 8g |
Fiber | 9g | 4g | 4g |
Protein | 5g | 5g | 5g |
FAQ
How do I make low carb baked beans without using sugar?
Use sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or erythritol and add spices like smoked paprika and mustard for flavor.
Can I use canned beans for low carb baked beans?
Yes, but choose beans with lower carb counts like black soybeans or navy beans.
What can I use instead of molasses in low carb baked beans?
Use a combination of sugar-free maple syrup and liquid smoke to mimic the flavor of molasses.
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