In my last post about refried beans I mentioned the flexibility of dried beans and the heavenly heights they can be brought to. Baked beans were given as an example along with a promise to suggest a recipe in the future. I was recently reminded of writing this by a friend along with a (strong) request to follow up on my promise, so here it is!
Baked beans are one of those perfect outdoor, summer side dishes that enhance any grilled food. If your like me and think potato salad is the work of satan or are simply out of ideas about what side dish to serve to a BBQ, these are a wonderful treat. Plus you'll always get lots of ooohh's and ahhh's as your guests envy your mad cooking abilities, creating something that they forgot can be found outside of a can.
Here is the recipe. Its takes a while but very simple and very much worth it.
Baked Beans
Ingredients
* 2 cups dried navy beans (using canned defeats the whole purpose)
* 1/3 pound bacon
* 1 onion, finely diced
* 3 tablespoons molasses
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
1. Rinse and soak beans in water for about 8 hours. Simmer the beans and for about 60 to 90 minutes. Drain and reserve the liquid.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and place the beans in an oven proof casserole.
4. In a saucepan, combine molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over beans. Add the bacon and onion and stir. Pour in just enough of the reserved bean water to cover the beans. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 3 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, add more liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry.
In the future I'll be experimenting with some changes, i think dried thyme would be a good addition or a dash of cumin and some peppers for a southwest spin. Have fun!
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