She Strengthens

Comforting Slow-Cooked Beans: A Perfect Side Dish

When it comes to comforting side dishes, slow-cooked beans are hard to beat. They’re a natural pairing with grilled or barbecued meats, and their rich, smoky flavor is sure to become a family favorite.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Instead of slaving away in the kitchen, why not let your slow cooker do the work for you? Simply throw all the ingredients together and let the magic happen. The result is a dish that’s both tender and flavorful, with a rich, velvety sauce that’s sure to impress.

The Perfect Blend of Ingredients

So, what makes these slow-cooked beans so special? It’s all about the combination of ingredients. Smoky bacon, navy beans, and sautéed onions provide a solid foundation, while sweet ingredients like molasses, ketchup, and brown sugar add depth and complexity. And let’s not forget the spices – a pinch of ground cloves adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Tips and Tricks

Before you start cooking, make sure to soak your beans overnight to ensure they’re nice and tender. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of molasses – dark molasses provides the best flavor for this recipe. Once the beans are cooked, let them sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Game Plan

• Soak the beans overnight and cook them in the slow cooker for 6 hours on either high or low heat.
• Thaw frozen beans in the refrigerator before reheating over low heat.
• Experiment with different types of molasses to find the one you like best.

Recipe

Yield: 8-10 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy or pea beans
• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon slices
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans overnight and drain them in a colander.
2. Place the beans, bacon, and onion in a slow cooker.
3. Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour into the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on either high or low heat for 6 hours.
5. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.