Introduction
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious BBQ? While burgers and hot dogs are always crowd-pleasers, the real star of any BBQ is the side dishes. And what better side dish than a hearty bowl of BBQ beans? In this article, we'll share our ultimate BBQ bean recipe that is sure to impress your guests.Why BBQ Beans?
BBQ beans are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. They are easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and are versatile enough to suit any taste. Whether you like your beans smoky or sweet, spicy or mild, this recipe can be tailored to your liking. Plus, beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a healthier option than some other BBQ sides.Ingredients
To make our ultimate BBQ bean recipe, you will need the following ingredients:- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
Preparation
1. Rinse the navy beans and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by 2 inches and let them soak overnight. 2. Drain the beans and rinse them again. 3. In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. 4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon grease and cook until the onion is translucent. 5. Add the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. 6. Add the soaked navy beans and 6 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender. 7. Once the beans are tender, stir in the reserved bacon. 8. Serve the BBQ beans hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.Variations
While our ultimate BBQ bean recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:- For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pot.
- If you like your beans spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeno pepper.
- For a sweeter flavor, add more molasses or brown sugar.
- If you're short on time, you can use canned navy beans instead of dried.