Homestyle Maple-Glazed Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) navy beans 2 cups (400g) navy beans
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 slices bacon, diced 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 4g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 62g (Sugars: 32g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. 3.
   In a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and ground cloves. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Add the drained navy beans, cooked bacon, and the molasses mixture to the pot. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Navy beans — Ensure you soak the beans for at least 1 hour to soften them before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a creamy texture.
• Maple syrup — Opt for pure maple syrup to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Avoid using artificial pancake syrups, as they may alter the taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of maple syrup or molasses.
• To add a smoky flavor, you can include a small amount of liquid smoke in the molasses mixture.
• Leftover baked beans can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated when needed.
• Serve the baked beans with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Maple-Glazed Baked Beans as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a main course with a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the baked beans with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions to add a pop of color. Serve them in a rustic ceramic dish or individual ramekins for an appealing presentation.