Grandma Brown's Baked Beans
A hearty and comforting dish featuring a rich, smoky flavor that combines sweet and tangy elements, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a side for weeknight dinners.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
Beans Preparation
- 450 g dried navy beans Rinse and soak overnight.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps soften the beans.
- 1400 ml water For soaking the beans.
- 1000 ml water For cooking the beans.
- 1 teaspoon salt To season the beans while cooking.
Flavor Base
- 1 medium onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 110 g turkey bacon, chopped Can be substituted for regular bacon.
Sauce Mixture
- 65 g dark brown sugar, packed Provides sweetness and depth.
- 45 ml molasses Contributes to the rich flavor.
- 45 ml yellow mustard Adds tanginess.
- 45 ml ketchup For sweetness and flavor balance.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Enhances flavor with a smoky touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the beans with 1.4 liters of water and the baking soda. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Cooking Beans
- Once soaked, drain the beans and rinse them again. In a large pot, cover the beans with 1 liter of fresh water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes until they are just tender.
Sautéing
- In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until it's browned. Add the diced onion and sauté until it's soft and translucent.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion and bacon, brown sugar, bay leaf, molasses, mustard, ketchup, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Baking
- Pour the bean mixture into a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F). Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for about 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to make sure it’s not too dry. If necessary, add a little more water.
Final Touch
- After baking, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the beans sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the baked beans before serving. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite spices to give the beans an extra kick. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.