Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried navy beans (soaked overnight and drained)
- 6 cups water (for cooking beans)
- 1 bay leaf
- 200g bacon (chopped into small pieces)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until beans are just tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the bay leaf and drain the beans.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it starts to release its fat and becomes crispy. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the maple syrup, molasses, bourbon, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Combine Beans and Cooking Liquid: Add the pre-cooked beans to the pot and stir to coat them with the sauce. Pour in enough broth to cover the beans (about 2 cups, but adjust based on your pot).
- Bake the Beans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 2-3 hours. Check periodically and stir the beans, adding more broth if they start to look dry.
- Final Seasoning: After baking, taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed. The beans should be tender and the sauce thick and flavorful.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade baked beans as a hearty side dish or over toast for a fulfilling meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking of the beans)
- Cook Time: About 4 hours (1 hour for simmering the beans and 2-3 hours for baking)
