Sweet And Savory Vegetarian Bean Casserole - cooking recipe

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
Garnish
scallion
sour cream

Preparation

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.