Baked Navy Beans is a delightful and hearty dish, reminiscent of the classic Boston baked beans. Traditionally, this dish requires several hours of slow cooking, and it often includes salt pork or bacon, making it less friendly to vegetarians. However, in this modern version, we have found a way to achieve the same creamy-textured beans with a much shorter cooking time, making it a perfect choice for those who don’t have hours to spare.
To expedite the cooking process, we first simmer the dried navy beans with a little baking soda. The alkaline soda weakens the cell structure of the beans, allowing them to become tender more quickly, thus reducing the baking time to just 2 hours. We then incorporate the classic flavorings of molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and cider vinegar, but we take it a step further to deepen the flavor and add a meaty element without using actual meat. The addition of soy sauce and smoked paprika provides a savory umami flavor and a rich smokiness to the dish.
Baked Navy Beans is a comforting and flavorful option for a family dinner or a picnic with friends. The combination of sweet and savory notes, along with the creamy texture of the beans, will leave you craving for more. Plus, this recipe can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
SERVES 4 TO 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (2½ cups) dried navy beans, picked over and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped fine
- 1 ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a Dutch oven, bring 3 quarts of water, beans, and baking soda to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer vigorously for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse the beans and the pot. Dry the pot.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the now-empty pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 4½ cups of water, the rinsed beans, molasses, brown sugar, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mustard, smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot, transfer it to the preheated oven, and bake until the beans are nearly tender, about 1½ hours.
- Uncover the pot and continue baking until the beans are completely tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of mustard and the cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy the delectable Baked Navy Beans.
Indulge in the comforting and rich flavors of Baked Navy Beans, and savor the taste of traditional Boston baked beans without the extended cooking time. This recipe is an excellent option for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. ENJOY!
