Healthified Baked Beans

Healthified comfort food is one of my specialties. I just can't resist taking classic foods people love and showing how easy they are to make at home. The recipes are usually rather simple, and end up costing less than buying a processed version of the same food. Win-win!

Now, for the "baked" beans, I do take one shortcut, which is to start with canned beans. You certainly could soak and cook dried beans if you like; this would make the recipe cheaper still! But as it is, the recipe will save you time, and save you from added sugar, weird preservatives, and artificial flavors that can be found in the "baked beans" that come in a can.

This recipe is delicious when served with homemade coleslaw and steaks from the grill, as pictured above!

HEALTHIFIED BAKED BEANS

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbsp tomato paste

3 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans or cannellini

1/4 c maple syrup

2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp mustard

1/4 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat medium pot over medium heat. Add oil; when oil is hot, add onions and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, bring up to heat, then turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes, adding water if the consistency requires it.

21 Day Fix containers: Makes 6 servings, each 1 yellow and 1 orange container.