Baked Beans Recipe
Description: Dive into the savory realm of “The Once and Future Beans” recipe, courtesy of Alton Brown, the culinary maestro behind the food network television show “Good Eats.” This timeless recipe is a testament to patience and flavor, yielding beans that are tender, rich, and utterly irresistible. With a harmonious blend of ingredients and a slow bake in the oven, these baked beans are worth every moment spent preparing them.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal 🍲
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Beans, Weeknight, Oven 🥓🍅🌶️
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 697.5
- Fat Content: 35.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1318mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 71.6g
- Fiber Content: 16.3g
- Sugar Content: 20.6g
- Protein Content: 26.1g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried great northern beans
- 1 strip bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). This low and slow method is key to achieving perfectly cooked beans.
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Prepare Dutch Oven: Place a sturdy cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon, diced onion, and jalapeños. Cook until the bacon renders its fat and the onions soften, creating a fragrant base for your beans. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
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Incorporate Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, dark brown sugar, and molasses, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. These sweet and savory elements will elevate your baked beans to new heights of deliciousness.
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Prepare Beans: Drain the dried great northern beans and set aside. Be sure to reserve the soaking liquid as it will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained beans to the Dutch oven, ensuring they are evenly distributed among the aromatic mixture.
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Prepare Liquid: Measure the reserved soaking liquid and add enough vegetable broth to reach 4 cups of liquid. This will provide the necessary moisture for the beans to cook to perfection.
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Add Liquid Mixture: Pour the liquid mixture into the Dutch oven, covering the beans and creating a luscious bath of flavors.
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Season to Perfection: Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt, adjusting to your taste preferences. These seasonings will add a subtle kick and balance to the sweetness of the beans.
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Combine and Bake: Give the ingredients a gentle stir to ensure everything is well combined, then cover the Dutch oven with its lid.
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Slow Bake: Place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Allow the beans to bake undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours, or until they reach a tender and luscious consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the beans are tender and infused with flavor, remove them from the oven and serve hot. These baked beans are a delightful accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying standalone dish.
Indulge in the irresistible allure of these baked beans, crafted with care and bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit! 🍽️
