Baked Beans

Baked beans are a popular dish made with cooked beans, typically navy beans, that are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce often includes ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and bacon for a sweet and savory taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cans, 15 ounces each, of cooked navy beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4-6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups water (if using dried beans)

Instructions:

1. If using dried navy beans, rinse them thoroughly and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the soaked beans and rinse them again. If using canned beans, skip to step 4.
2. In the same pot, add the soaked and drained beans and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
4. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
5. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion, cooked bacon, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish or Dutch oven. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold the beans with some room for them to expand during baking.
8. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Check on the beans occasionally and stir gently.
9. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid or foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.

Once the baked beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Baked beans are often enjoyed as a side dish with barbecued meats, hot dogs, or burgers. They also make a great addition to picnics, potlucks, and backyard gatherings. Enjoy your homemade baked beans!