I had ChatGPT give me a recipe for Baked Beans using fruit to sweeten. I wanted to share the recipe with you all! I precooked navy beans in the IP the night before. I also added red and green chopped onions

Naturally Sweetened Whole Food Plant-Based Baked Beans

Ingredients

* 4 cups cooked navy beans (or great northern beans)

* 1 medium onion, finely diced

* 3 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)

* ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

* 4 Medjool dates, pitted

* 2 tablespoons raisins (optional, for extra richness)

* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or 2 teaspoons dry mustard)

* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

* 1 teaspoon onion powder

* ½ teaspoon garlic powder

* ¼ teaspoon black pepper

* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but delicious)

* ½–1 cup water, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Blend together:

* tomato sauce

* applesauce

* dates

* raisins

* vinegar

* mustard

* smoked paprika

* onion powder

* garlic powder

* cinnamon

* black pepper

until completely smooth.

3. Water-sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water as needed. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.

4. Add the beans and blended sauce. Mix well. Add enough water to create a thick, saucy consistency.

5. Transfer to a covered baking dish and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Remove the lid and bake another 20–30 minutes, until thick, bubbly, and slightly caramelized.

Even Better the Next Day

Like traditional baked beans, these develop even deeper flavor after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Optional Add-Ins

* Diced red bell pepper

* Finely chopped mushrooms (adds wonderful umami)

* A pinch of chipotle powder if you like a smoky kick

The applesauce and dates create a rich sweetness similar to traditional baked beans without refined sweeteners. Whole fruit is an excellent way to sweeten recipes while retaining fiber and nutrients, a strategy commonly used in whole-food plant-based cooking.

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