You might consider this simple recipe the Korean version of New England baked beans: sweet and salty at the same time. The beans are slow-cooked to give the flavors time to meld, and served accompanied by some cooked greens, a salad, or some rice for a complete protein.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　2 cups dried black beans

　　6 cups water

　　1/2 cup soy sauce

　　1 tablespoon sugar or honey

　　2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

　　

Step 1

Wash the beans thoroughly, then place them in the slow cooker insert along with the water.

　　

Step 2

Mix together the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil and pour over the beans, stirring in thoroughly.

　　

Step 3

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

　　

Suggested Beverage

Step 4

Perhaps something with bubbles, such as Prosecco or a sparkling Californian wine. And if all else fails, a good ol’ beer would complement this dish nicely (and would be more traditional than wine as an accompaniment).

　　Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker