Mustard Beans

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Bright, tangy mustard beans that blend sweet, spicy, and vinegar notes—perfect as a zesty side for any casual gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 3/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 pound green or yellow beans, well drained

Instructions

  1. In a 1½‑quart saucepan, stir together the sugar, flour, mustard, celery salt, salt, and turmeric until well combined.
  2. Gradually whisk in the cider vinegar, maintaining a smooth mixture.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.
  4. Add the beans, gently folding them into the sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  6. Refrigerate, covered, until the flavors meld, about an hour or more.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh mustard instead of dry for a more vibrant taste. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of dry mustard. If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar is a good substitute. Make sure the beans are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Mustard Beans are a delightful side dish for barbecued meats or grilled vegetables, complementing flavors beautifully. They pair wonderfully with Eric Gwinn's Barbecue for an excellent meal. For a complete spread, consider serving them alongside Mom's Bean Salad (Very Good) or even as part of a summer picnic with crusty bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, making it even tastier. When ready to serve, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to maintain the texture of the beans.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mustard Beans contains roughly 43 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1787mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

43 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 10.5g 4% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1787.4mg 78% DV
Potassium 158.5mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Calcium 28.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of light brown sugar to 1/2 cup or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Tasting as you go is key to achieving your desired sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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