Peter's Adzuki Bean Casserole
Submitted by dixiechick
Adzuki bean casserole with Granny Smith apples, bell pepper, onion, basil, and soy sauce. A vegan baked bean dish with a sweet-savory twist that improves overnight.
This adzuki bean casserole pairs dried adzuki beans with Granny Smith apples, bell pepper, and onion in a lightly seasoned bake that’s vegan and surprisingly satisfying. The combination of earthy beans and tart apple is unusual but it works, giving each bite a sweet-savory balance.
Adzuki beans are smaller and sweeter than kidney or pinto beans, with a naturally creamy texture when cooked. They absorb the basil, soy sauce, and apple flavors during the 45-minute bake, and the apples soften into the mix without dissolving completely.
The recipe notes that it tastes even better the next day, and that’s true. Overnight in the fridge, the soy sauce and basil penetrate deeper into the beans and the flavors settle together.
Kitchen Tips
- Soak the dried beans for the full 24 hours in cold water if you have time. The emergency 2-hour hot soak works, but the beans cook more evenly with a long cold soak.
- Drain and boil in fresh water after soaking. The soaking water contains compounds that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Use tart Granny Smith apples. Sweet apples would make the casserole too sugary against the mild adzuki beans.
- Embed the bay leaf into the top of the beans so it’s easy to find and remove before serving.
Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer, more savory sauce.
- Stir in diced sweet potato for extra body and natural sweetness.
- Serve over brown rice with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Directions
Soak dried adzuki beans in 3 cups cold water for 24 hours OR, in an emergency, use 3 cups boiled water for at least 2 hours.
Drain beans completely and boil for 45 minutes in 2 cups fresh water or until tender.
Sauté chopped onion in 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 minute.
Add bell pepper, sauté 1 minute.
Add apple and sauté until onions are transluscent.
Drain beans and mix in vegetables.
Season with basil, sea salt and soy sauce.
Oil a small casserole dish and pour in mixture.
Embed bay leaf into top of beans and bake at 375℉ (190℃). for 45 minutes.
Serve with rice and a little salad for a delicious and healthy meal! Tastes even better the next day!
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