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Cozy Baked Beans from Scratch Easy Smoky Flavor Recipe to Try

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A warm and comforting baked beans recipe made from dried navy beans with a rich smoky flavor, perfect for cozy nights and made entirely from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 4 cups (960ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (200g) of dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 cups (720ml) of water. Let soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  2. Drain the beans in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add the soaked beans and 4 cups (960ml) of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and partially cover the pot.
  7. Simmer the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed to keep beans just covered, until tender but not mushy.
  8. Stir in 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
  11. Turn off heat and let beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight is essential for even cooking and reducing gas. Use moderate heat when sautéing aromatics to avoid burning garlic. Add hot water if beans dry out during cooking to maintain temperature. Liquid smoke is optional and potent; add sparingly. Let beans rest after cooking to meld flavors. Slow simmering is key to tender beans without mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, navy beans, smoky baked beans, homemade baked beans, comfort food, vegetarian baked beans, slow cooked beans

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/cozy-baked-beans-from-scratch-easy-smoky-flavor-recipe-to-try/