Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making your BBQ beans, it's important to gather all the ingredients you'll need. For this recipe, you'll need one pound of dried navy beans, one onion, two cloves of garlic, one red bell pepper, two tablespoons of olive oil, one cup of tomato sauce, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of mustard, half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of ketchup, half a cup of molasses, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
Soak the Beans
The first step in making your BBQ beans is to soak the dried navy beans overnight. This will help to soften them up and make them easier to cook. Once the beans have soaked, drain them and rinse them thoroughly.
Saute the Vegetables
Next, it's time to saute the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add the Sauce and Spices
Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined.
Add the Beans and Simmer
Now it's time to add the navy beans to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the beans simmer for about two hours, stirring occasionally, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened up nicely.
Adjust the Seasonings
After the beans have simmered for a while, it's time to taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more salt and pepper if needed, or more chili powder if you want your beans to be spicier. Don't be afraid to experiment with the flavors until you get them just right!
Serve and Enjoy
Once your BBQ beans are ready, it's time to serve and enjoy them! These beans make a great side dish for any BBQ or summer meal. You can also serve them as a main dish over rice or with some crusty bread on the side.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover BBQ beans, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them, and reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
Making your own BBQ beans from scratch is a great way to add some homemade flavor to any meal. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try today?