I've Bean to Heaven

I've Bean to Heaven Recipe - A Delicious & Hearty Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

I've Bean to Heaven is a delicious and hearty baked bean recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, tangy ketchup, and smoky liquid smoke creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time!

History

The origins of baked beans can be traced back to Native American cuisine, where beans were a staple food source. The dish was later adopted by European settlers in America and became a popular comfort food in the United States. Over time, various regional variations of baked beans emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

2 slices of thick bacon, diced
1 medium white onion, diced
15 oz (425 g) of canned pork and beans, drained
0.5 cup of dark brown sugar
0.5 cup of ketchup
1 tbsp of liquid smoke
0.25 tsp of garlic powder

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon pieces until they just begin to brown.
Remove the bacon from the pan and drain, but retain the grease. Then, add the onion and sauté until tender.
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow boil. Then, simmer for 30 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool for one hour before serving.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
Add in some cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is just beginning to brown to ensure that it is crispy and flavorful.

- Sautéing the onions until they are tender will help to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

- Allowing the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes will help the flavors to meld together and create a rich and delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

I've Bean to Heaven is the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic. Serve it alongside grilled meats, cornbread, and coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the mixture slowly will help to develop the flavors and create a rich and delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have liquid smoke on hand, you can substitute with a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a similar smoky flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve I've Bean to Heaven with a crisp and refreshing beer or a glass of sweet tea for the perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

230

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 20g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

I've Bean to Heaven is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. With a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats, this recipe is a well-balanced option for a delicious meal.

Summary

I've Bean to Heaven is a classic and comforting baked bean recipe that is sure to please a crowd. With its savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and smoky flavors, this dish is a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy it at your next gathering and watch as it disappears in no time!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a simple handwritten note on a weathered piece of paper, tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The recipe was entitled "I've Bean to Heaven," and it promised a delicious combination of beans, spices, and hearty vegetables that would transport anyone who tasted it straight to culinary bliss.

I had always been a fan of beans in all their forms - black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, you name it. There was just something so comforting and satisfying about a bowl of beans cooked to perfection, seasoned just right, and served alongside a hunk of crusty bread or a scoop of fluffy rice. So when I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try.

The instructions were simple enough - soak a variety of beans overnight, then simmer them with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices until everything melded together into a rich and flavorful stew. I could practically taste it just reading the words on the page.

I set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need, taking care to select the freshest vegetables and highest quality spices. As I chopped, sautéed, and stirred, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. Cooking has always been my happy place, a way to unwind and express my creativity in a tangible, delicious way.

As the pot of beans bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends or family members, and still others from chance encounters with kind strangers who were willing to share their culinary secrets with me.

Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment in time when I had learned something new, expanded my culinary horizons, and added another delicious dish to my repertoire. And now, as I stirred the pot of "I've Bean to Heaven," I knew that this recipe would join the ranks of my all-time favorites.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the beans were ready. I ladled a generous portion into a bowl, garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - earthy beans, tangy tomatoes, warm spices - it was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I savored each spoonful, I thought about all the people who had contributed to my culinary education over the years. My grandmother, with her comforting soups and hearty stews. My mother, with her delicate pastries and decadent desserts. My friends, with their exotic dishes and bold flavors. And now, this mysterious stranger who had shared the recipe for "I've Bean to Heaven" with me.

I felt grateful for each and every person who had passed on their knowledge, their passion, and their love of cooking to me. I knew that I would continue to seek out new recipes, new techniques, and new flavors for as long as I was able. Because for me, cooking isn't just about nourishing the body - it's about nourishing the soul, connecting with others, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And as I finished my bowl of "I've Bean to Heaven," I knew that I had indeed been transported to a place of pure culinary bliss.