Summer Baked Beans

Submitted by susie cooks

"This is from Cooking Light. Sounds delicious! I can't wait to try them! The cooking time does not include time to soak the beans."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 1 lb dried pinto bean
• 3⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 9 cups water
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups onions, chopped
• 2 cups red peppers, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

directions

1. Sort and wash beans, and place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain beans.
3. Combine beans and crushed red pepper in pan; add water.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer 1 1/4 hours or until beans are tender.
5. Drain in colander over a bowl, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid; discard remaining liquid.
6. Return beans and cooking liquid to pan. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt.
7. Remove from heat and keep warm.
8. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
9. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Add onion and 3/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
11. Add bell pepper and garlic; cook 1 1/2 minutes or until pepper is crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
12. Add tomato; cook 1 1/2 minutes, stirring frequently.
13. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar, mint, paprika and black pepper. Add onion mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt to bean mixture, stir well to combine.
14. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.
15. Stir in vinegar.
16. Serve.

Reviews

[Sydney Mike]

I usually start my baked beans with a big can of Busch Beans as did the previous reviewer, but this time I was willing to work with the dried ones, as did my own mom when I was young! The mint was something new for me & although I was tempted to cut back on the amount, I didn't! I also used dark brown sugar & then added 1/4 cup of molasses, something we always like in our beans! Gotta admit that I did like the hint of mint, & that from someone who usually shys away from that flavor! Thanks for a great new way to do up beans! [Tagged, made & reviewed in Bargain Basement]

 

[WI Cheesehead]

I'm reviewing this based on my and my family's tastes. However, since we're die hard Busch Beans fans (the brown sugar and ketchup kind, I guess), please don't let that affect your trying it. I used a large onion, 2 cans of drained chopped tomatoes, 1/2 lb pinto and 1/2 lb great northerns, and 1 tsp dried mint. You really could taste the mint, even though it makes A LOT! Shoot, I just realized I forgot the vinegar! So I won't give it any stars, just in case that's the deciding factor in what could have been a great dish for us.