Baked beans, a favorite of Britain, are considered an American staple popular at barbeques and picnics. This healthier for you version has no added sugar, but you’d never know as it is as sweet as can be!
Ingredients:
4 cups dried Navy Beans, soaked overnight
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, diced
2 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons North Coast Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup North Coast reduced cider (*see below)
1 tablespoon salt
Directions:
Cover the Navy Beans with enough water to cover by 2 inches and soak overnight. Add the beans with the remaining water and the bay leaves to a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer the beans for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. When the beans are tender, strain the beans into a bowl and reserve the liquid in another. Remove the bay leaves.
In a Dutch oven or heavy-duty pot, heat the olive oil and cook the onions until golden and translucent, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another few minutes, then add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and pepper. Stir well. Add the beans, reduced cider, and salt. Pour enough of the reserved liquid to cover the beans slightly, stirring thoroughly. Cover and bake in a 350° oven for 2 hours, giving it a good stir at the half way point. Reduce the oven to 325° and bake uncovered for another 2 hours, again giving it a good stir after one hour. When done, the beans should be soft but still hold together well. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
*To reduce the cider to a sweet syrup, place 64oz (half gallon) of North Coast Apple Juice or Cider in a heavy-duty pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 5 hours, stirring every hour or so. This will give you a marvelous apple cider reduction you’ll want to make again and again. Also great over pancakes, waffles or french toast, parfaits, oatmeal, and crepes! Learn more recipes and more with North Coast Organic.Â
