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Cozy Grandma’s Sweet Onion Baked Beans

sweet onion baked beans - featured image
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A comforting and nostalgic baked beans recipe featuring caramelized sweet onions and smoky paprika, perfect for Memorial Day or any cookout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cups cooked/canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (Vidalia or Maui onions recommended)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. If using dried navy beans, rinse 2 cups under cold water and soak overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse again the next day. If using canned beans, drain and rinse 4 cups, then set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 thinly sliced sweet onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  3. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  4. In a bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir well to create a thick sauce.
  5. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, add the soaked or canned beans. Pour in the caramelized onions and the sauce mixture. Add 1 ½ cups vegetable broth and stir gently to combine without mashing the beans.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add hot sauce or cayenne if desired.
  7. Cover the pot with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
  8. Remove the lid and bake another 10 to 15 minutes if a thicker sauce is desired. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too dry.
  9. Let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Use canned beans for a quicker version. Keep the pot covered while baking to retain moisture. Adjust seasoning after baking as flavors mellow. For smoky flavor, add extra smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Slow cooker option available after caramelizing onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, sweet onion, Memorial Day side, caramelized onions, smoky paprika, vegan baked beans, easy side dish

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/cozy-grandmas-sweet-onion-baked-beans-recipe-easy-memorial-day-side/