Sweet n' Spicy Baked Beans for a Budget #SundaySupper

I make no secret of the fact that I'm extremely "part time" employed. I know that if I was out on my own, without the support of two families to help me, I would be in line at the food banks, sleeping in shelters and definitely not writing a food blog. I live comfortably at the moment, but my mom and I are both bona fide frugalistas and we look for practical ways to reduce our spending, whether it be on clothes, books or food. As a result, we do shop at the bulk stores, we do pick up inexpensive, well-fitting clothes at the Superstore (hello, Joe clothing!) and we swipe our library more than our credit cards when it comes to books.

These days have been hard on everyone economically, regardless of income or job status. Cost of living is increasing, including the prices of fresh meat, fish and produce - not even thinking about the prices for special dietary items should you require them! Thankfully, "real" foods that are gluten free and vegan are still relatively cheap - not to mention healthier than the pre-made ones - and while it wasn't a conscious decision of ours to buy less meat and processed goods, our meals at home tend to reflect the more "peasant" style of rustic, hearty cooking than your traditional "meaty" main and overcooked side dishes.

This week, the #SundaySupper crew is all about good food on a budget. Join us and share recipes that won't break the budget! These baked beans are perfect for a hearty, nutritious and cheap dinner main, especially served alongside a crust of grainy bread or roasted potatoes. Check out the other goodies below!

Starters, Soups, and Salads

• Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
• Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

• Salmon Lasagna from Blueberries and Blessings
• Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
• Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
• Chicken and Brown Rice with Veggies and Mushrooms from Daily Dish Recipes
• The Cod Puffs War  {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
• From the Pantry Peanut Noodles from Supper for a Steal
• Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
• Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from I Run For Wine
• Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
• Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
• Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
• Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
• Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
• Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons from The Lovely Pantry
• Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

• English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
• Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
• Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

• Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Portuguese Rice Pudding  {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter Sunday! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest boardfor more delicious recipes and food photos. This event is co-hosted by Lane of Supper for A Steal and Pam of Blueberries and Blessings - Thanks Lane & Pam!

Sweet n' Spicy Baked Beans
Adapted from Mr. Wilkinson's Vegetables
Serves 1 as a main, 2 as a side
1 cup cooked beans (I liked both the black eyed peas and kidney beans I used, NI is for black eyed peas)
1/2 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (I picked a honey-garlic GF one)
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion flakes
1 clove garlic, minced

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. 
2. In an oven and stovetop safe dish, combine all the ingredients over medium heat until well combined and beginning to bubble.
3. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Eat right out of the dish or spoon over toast, potatoes or whatever you choose!

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 297.0
Total Fat: 1.4 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 1,200.2 mg
Total Carbs: 68.8 g
Dietary Fiber: 9.9 g
Protein: 6.9 g