Vegetarian Calico Beans (Onion and Garlic Free)

Made in a crockpot, beans don't get any easier. Those without an intolerance to onion and garlic can certainly save a step and substitute regular ketchup for the homemade variety. These are vegetarian and onion- and garlic-free.

Ingredients (Makes 12 servings)
1 can great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup onion and garlic free ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tbsp vinegar

Directions

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. This is enough for my family. I double  (or triple!) the recipe for potlucks and picnics.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 131.0 g, Calories 261, Calories from Fat 25, Total Fat 2.8g, Saturated Fat 0.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 2mg, Sodium 280mg, Total Carbohydrates 47.4g, Dietary Fiber 9.8g, Sugars 9.5g, Protein 13.5g, Vitamin A 3%,Vitamin C 21%, Calcium 8%, Iron 26%

Onion/Garlic-Free Ketchup

Admittedly, this does not taste like you squeezed it out of a bottle of Heinz, BUT, it looks like ketchup, smells like ketchup, and works great in recipes that call for ketchup.

On fries? It's not bad, especially after you get used to it. The carrots mimic some of the onion/garlic flavor, but it's not exact. And yes, I do wish it could be! If you try it and come up with improvements, feel free to put them in the comments.

1 small can tomato paste (6 oz)

5 Tbsp sugar

3 Tbsp + 1 tsp cider vinegar

1 Tbsp pureed carrots (baby food)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp celery salt

pinch cinnamon

pinch ground cloves

pinch cayenne pepper

Mix. Store leftovers in refrigerator.