Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in crafting this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups canned or cooked navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped smoked bacon (optional for extra smoky flavor)
If you’re in a pinch and can’t find navy beans, feel free to substitute with pinto or black beans. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add a dash more of smoked paprika for that rich, smoky depth.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- If you’re using bacon, add it to the skillet now and cook until crispy. This step adds a deeper smoky flavor to the beans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stir the cooked onions, garlic, and bacon (if using) into the sauce mixture. Then, fold in the drained beans, ensuring they are well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. For an extra smoky touch, sprinkle a bit more smoked paprika on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and has slightly thickened.
From my experience, allowing the beans to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International