Baked Beans Recipe

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, loved for its rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a hearty side dish, these beans are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce that will make you love plant-based foods all the more! Serve them alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy them on their own for a wholesome, tasty meal.

Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans or Great Northern beans
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups water (or vegetable broth for added flavor)

Instructions

Rinse and sort the beans, then place them in a large pot. Cover with water and soak overnight, or use the quick soak method (cover with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour). Drain and rinse the beans, then return them to the pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, mustard, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, black pepper, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook for a few minutes until well combined and heated through.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

In a large ovenproof dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans with the sauce. Add 4 cups of water (or vegetable broth) and stir well to combine. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are thick and richly flavored. If the beans become too dry during baking, add a bit more water or vegetable broth as needed.

Remove the lid or foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken further. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.