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Baked beans are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a hearty side dish, homemade baked beans never disappoint. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious batch of baked beans that will leave everyone wanting seconds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried navy beans
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons mustard
– 4 slices bacon, diced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 6 cups water
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Start by rinsing the dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water, allowing them to soak overnight. This step helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 6 cups of water, along with the diced onion, bacon, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours until the beans are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the beans are cooking, it’s time to prepare the delicious sauce. In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the cooked beans, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the beans to a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Gently stir to evenly coat the beans with the sauce. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add some of the reserved cooking liquid.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle the diced bacon on top of the bean mixture in the baking dish. The bacon will become crispy and add a smoky essence to the dish.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. The beans should be bubbling and slightly thickened. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the baked beans as a side dish with grilled meats, sausages, or sandwiches. They also work perfectly as a main dish for vegetarians.
Baked beans can be made in advance and reheated as needed, making them a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
In conclusion, making delicious baked beans at home is easy when you follow these simple steps. Soak the beans, cook them until tender, prepare the sauce, mix everything together, add some tasty toppings, and bake them to perfection. These homemade baked beans will add a burst of flavor to any meal, delighting family and friends alike.
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