Vegetarian BBQ

Most people are afraid that if they were to go vegetarian they would miss out on BBQ. I am here to tell you they are dead wrong. Here is a great recipe for a BBQ Bean Sandwich that will make even a lion happy:

BBQ Bean Sandwiches

1 pound dry beans (pinto, black, navy…)
4 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
2 tsp dry mustard
½ tsp chili powder
4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup vinegar
2 cups tomato juice
½ cup ketchup
1 cup water (or bean juice)


1. Soak beans. Drain. Cover with water (2 inches above top of beans), bring to boil simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours (you want them to be a little firm). Drain beans (if you want to use bean juice in the sauce, reserve 1 cup of juice). Replace in cooking pot.

2. In a sauce pan whisk together all other ingredients. Bring to boil and let simmer for 15 minutes. Pour sauce over beans, stir, and heat to low boil. Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes. Serve on buns.

Makes about 16 servings
1000 total calories (63 Calories per serving)

As you may have already guessed, I make my own buns. They are very easy. I just use my regular bread recipe but instead of making two loaves I divide it up and make 16 buns. To keep them from sticking to the pan I use either parchment paper or oil with a light dusting of flour. Slice them in half and fill with delicious BBQ Beans.

For all of you who would prefer eating meat, this sauce is usable on beef, pork, and chicken. Just pour over shredded meat and let simmer for at least an hour (you can make a roast in a crock pot, shred the meat, return it to the crock pot, pour the sauce over the meat, stir, and let it simmer for at least an hour).

If you want to make less, halve everything except the vinegar (you still want 1/4 cup of vinegar).

(In all honesty, I made up my first line. Additionally, I am not a vegetarian, I just eat like one - most of the time.)