Soda Baked Beans

This recipe can also be done in a crockpot, or it can be cooked in the oven! Don't use the sugar-free soda for this. The fresh garlic can be replaced with 1 teaspoon garlic powder if desired, this is best if made a day ahead to blend the flavors, refrigerate then warm over low heat on top of the stove.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3 -4  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 2  medium onions, chopped
• 2 -3  tablespoons  minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 1  jalapeno pepper (seeded and chopped, optional add in for more heat)
• 2  teaspoons curry powder
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 1⁄2 cups  smoked dry sausage, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can  pork and beans, rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1  large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1  large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 3⁄4 cup  Coca-Cola
• 1⁄2 cup  carbonated lemon-lime beverage (7-Up soda is good to use)
• 1  teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
•  salt

Directions

1. In a large pot heat oil over medium heat; add in the onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, curry powder and cayenne; saute for about 4 minutes.
2. Add in the chopped smoked sausage; saute for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in all the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until thickened, stirring occasionally for about 1 hour (or you can simmer for more time if desired).