Papa's Pepper Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
(Courtesy of Spencer from @spencerthecook from Instagram ... )
Yes, it takes some time to cook these beans, but it's so worth it! These beans develop so much flavor as they are baked that you will never buy those canned beans again! Yes there is a lot of bacon in this recipe, and you can use less if you want, but why would you? These wonderful spicy, smokey, sweet and thick beans are certain to be a crowd pleaser at your next gathering!
1lb. Navy beans (dried)
1lb. Hickory smoked bacon, large diced
1 Sweet onion, diced
1/2C Tomato paste
1/4C Ketchup
1/2C Light brown sugar
1/2C Molasses
1/4C Apple cider vinegar
2t Worcestershire sauce
2T Mustard
1t Granulated garlic
1T Liquid smoke
2t Papa's Pepper premium spice blend
Soak the beans over night or for at least 10 hours in cold water prior to cooking them.
The next day drain beans and add them to a Dutch oven and cover the beans with at least two inches of water. Over medium high heat bring beans to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Cover and simmer the beans for 90 minutes. Drain the beans reserving the "bean water" they were cooked in.
Add bacon to Dutch oven and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and all but 2T of the bacon grease. Add onions to Dutch oven with the 2T of bacon grease and cook until translucent. Add bacon, beans, 2C of reserved "bean water" and the rest of the ingredients to Dutch oven. Stir well to incorporate. Cover dutch oven and put in oven for 2-3 hours, checking every hour. If the beans get to dry add an additional cup of the "bean water". Garnish with diced tomatoes or scallions, or both!