Smoky Molasses Baked Beans

There's something irresistibly comforting about a dish that's been slow-cooked to perfection. An infusion of rich, deep flavors that only time can bring out, a texture that's soft yet satisfying. Today, we're going to dive into a classic dish that's often relegated to the side lines, but truly deserves a moment in the spotlight.

This is a dish that combines sweet and savory, with a touch of smoke and a hint of tang, it's a beautiful balancing act that will leave your taste buds dancing.

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About this recipe:

This dish elevates a humble legume to new heights, combining it with a medley of flavors that will transport you to the heart of home cooking. With a base of dried navy beans, the recipe unfolds with layers of sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, a tangy kick from Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, and a smoky touch from paprika and crisp bacon. It's not just about the taste though, this dish is also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and fiber.

It's an easy recipe, but it does require some patience as the flavors develop and meld together over a few hours in the oven. But trust us, the wait is worth it! So, let's roll up our sleeves, fire up the oven, and get ready to stir up some magic.

Smoky Molasses Baked Beans

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans

• 6 cups water

• 1 large onion, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced

Instructions:

1. Rinse the beans and remove any stones or debris. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover with several inches of water, and soak overnight.

2. Drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, combine the beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 1 hour until the beans are tender.

3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

4. In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

5. In the same pot with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

6. Add the molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

7. Add the cooked beans to the pot, along with the crispy bacon. Stir until everything is well combined.

8. Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 4-5 hours, stirring every hour, until the beans are soft and the sauce is thick and rich.

9. Let the beans rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Information per Serving:

• Calories: 320

• Total Fat: 5g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 10mg

• Sodium: 590mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 56g

  • Dietary Fiber: 12g

  • Sugars: 23g

• Protein: 14g

Additional Information:

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Side Dish

• Skill Level: Easy

• Method: Baking

• Special Diets: High Fiber, High Protein

• Allergens: Mustard

• Cost: $$

• Equipment Needed: Dutch Oven or Large Oven-Safe Pot

This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic instead.