Barbecue Beans

Barbecue Beans Recipe - Authentic American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Barbecue Beans are a classic comfort food, rich in flavors and deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of American barbecue. This recipe takes a beloved side dish and elevates it with a combination of sweet and savory ingredients, including bacon, onions, bell peppers, and a mix of barbecue sauce, beer, and maple syrup. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these beans are sure to be a hit with their hearty texture and complex flavor profile.

History

The tradition of cooking beans in a sauce dates back centuries, with variations found in many cultures around the world. In the United States, the practice of slow-cooking beans with sweet and tangy sauces became popular in the 18th century, particularly in the South. The addition of ingredients like molasses, mustard, and pork transformed simple beans into a rich and flavorful dish. This recipe for Barbecue Beans builds on that tradition, incorporating modern ingredients like barbecue sauce and beer to create a contemporary version of this classic dish.

Ingredients

3 slices of bacon
1.5 cups of chopped onion
1 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper
4 minced garlic cloves
1 lb (454 g) of dried great northern beans
10 cups of water, divided
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
0.75 cup of barbecue sauce
0.5 cup of packed dark brown sugar
0.33 cup of beer
3 tbsp of maple syrup
2 tbsp of stone-ground mustard
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cook bacon slices in a 6 qt (5.68 liter) pressure cooker over medium-high heat until crisp.
Remove bacon from cooker; crumble and set aside.
Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the drippings in the cooker; sauté for 2 minutes.
Remove the bell pepper mixture from the cooker; set aside.
Sort and wash the beans.
Combine the beans and 4 cups of water in the cooker.
Close the lid securely; bring to high pressure over high heat.
Adjust the heat to medium or the level needed to maintain high pressure; cook for 1 minute.
Remove from heat, and place the cooker under cold running water.
Remove the lid; drain the beans.
Combine the beans, 6 cups of water, and oil in the cooker.
Close the lid securely; bring to high pressure over high heat.
Adjust the heat to medium or the level needed to maintain high pressure; cook for 6 minutes.
Remove from heat, and place the cooker under cold running water.
Remove the lid; drain the beans.
Return the beans to the cooker; add the bacon, onion mixture, barbecue sauce, and remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 12 minutes or until slightly thick.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with a smoked tofu or tempeh.
Add a spicy kick with chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder.
Substitute beer with apple cider or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Barbecue Beans are perfectly cooked and flavorful, consider the following tips:

- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and make them more digestible.

- Cook the bacon until crisp to add a smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.

- Sauté the onions and bell peppers in bacon drippings to infuse them with additional flavor.

- Use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the beans' cooking time while maintaining their texture.

- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce according to your preference by tweaking the amounts of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Barbecue Beans as a side dish with grilled meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. They also pair well with cornbread, coleslaw, and a green salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside grilled vegetables and a protein-rich grain like quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time of the beans significantly. Sautéing the vegetables in bacon drippings before combining them with the beans enhances the flavors of the dish. Simmering the combined ingredients allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace great northern beans with navy beans or pinto beans if desired.

- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or molasses for a different sweetness.

- Use any barbecue sauce you prefer, whether homemade or store-bought, to customize the flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Barbecue Beans can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the dish even more delicious. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the beans in a rustic serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top adds flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Barbecue Beans with a light, crisp beer or a tangy cider to complement the richness of the dish. For wine lovers, a fruity Zinfandel or a robust Malbec pairs well with the smoky, sweet flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Barbecue Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water if the beans have thickened too much during storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Barbecue Beans contains approximately 350 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates and fats, making it a hearty side dish or a lighter main course.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Barbecue Beans is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. The beans themselves are rich in complex carbohydrates, while the sauce ingredients, including brown sugar and maple syrup, add simple sugars to the dish. A single serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe contains moderate amounts of fat, primarily from the bacon and vegetable oil. The total fat content per serving is around 10 grams, with 3 grams of saturated fat. Choosing lean bacon or substituting it with a lower-fat protein can reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

Barbecue Beans are a good source of plant-based protein, thanks to the great northern beans. Each serving provides approximately 15 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians when the bacon is omitted or replaced with a vegetarian protein source.

Vitamins and minerals

Great northern beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. The addition of vegetables like onions and bell peppers contributes vitamins C and A to the dish. Each serving offers a good dose of these nutrients, supporting overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains no major allergens like nuts, soy, dairy, or gluten. However, those with sensitivities to legumes should avoid it. Always check the labels of store-bought ingredients like barbecue sauce and beer for potential allergens.

Summary

Barbecue Beans offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a hearty, nutritious option suitable for a variety of dietary needs, though they are calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Barbecue Beans recipe is a modern take on a classic dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. With its rich nutritional profile and versatile serving options, it's a great addition to any meal. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, looking for a hearty side dish, or seeking a comforting main course, these beans are sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for barbecue beans. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mary's house for a cookout. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the delicious aroma of smoky barbecue sauce and beans cooking on the stove.

Mary was busy stirring a big pot of beans, and she greeted me with a warm smile. "You're just in time to try my famous barbecue beans," she said. "I learned this recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It's been in our family for generations."

I watched as Mary added a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a dollop of mustard, and a generous amount of brown sugar to the pot. She explained that the key to the recipe was to let the beans simmer on low heat for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, smoky taste.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of Mary's barbecue beans and was instantly hooked. The beans were tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. I begged Mary for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me.

From that day on, barbecue beans became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried them. I even entered them into a local cooking contest and won first place!

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some extra ingredients like smoked paprika and bacon to give the beans an even more intense flavor. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, passed down through generations of women in my family.

One day, as I was preparing a batch of barbecue beans for a family reunion, my own granddaughter, Lily, came into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled and told her about the recipe, explaining how I had learned it from my friend Mary and how it had become a beloved tradition in our family.

Lily's eyes lit up with excitement, and she asked if she could help me make the beans. I happily agreed, showing her how to measure out the ingredients and stir the pot as the beans simmered on the stove. As we worked together, I shared stories of my own childhood and the memories I had of cooking with my own grandmother.

When the beans were finally ready, Lily eagerly took a spoonful and tasted them. Her face broke into a wide grin, and she declared them to be the best beans she had ever eaten. I felt a surge of pride knowing that I had passed down this treasured recipe to the next generation.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many years I have spent perfecting my barbecue beans recipe, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the women who came before me and the culinary traditions they passed down. I am proud to carry on the legacy of this beloved dish, knowing that it will continue to bring joy and comfort to my family for years to come. And perhaps one day, my granddaughter Lily will share this recipe with her own children, keeping the tradition alive and thriving for generations to come.