Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 apple peeled cored and grated I like Granny Smiths
• 2 medium carrots peeled and grated
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/4 cups broth or water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• salt and pepper
• 3 cups cooked beans of your choice
• scallion
• sour cream

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In non-stick pan heat the oil and saute the onions apples and carrots for 5 minutes until softened
• Mix together the tomato paste with the stock or water
• Add all the other ingredients except for the beans and garnishes to the pan with the onions apples and carrots
• Stir well cover and simmer for 5 minutes
• Add the beans and transfer the mixture into an ovenproof casserole Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes Do not allow to dry out Add more stock to beans if necessary
• Garnish with swirls of sour cream and thinly sliced scallions if desired
• NOTE I usually prepare this bean casserole a day in advance; up to the point before baking to allow the ingredients to marry