Craving a hearty, protein-packed meal that'll make your taste buds dance without the traditional pork? Look no further! Our No Pork and Beans recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This American classic transforms humble navy beans into a mouthwatering dish that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a protein-rich alternative or simply want to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver incredible flavor in every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the navy beans thoroughly and sort out any small stones or damaged beans.
- Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water, ensuring the water is about 2 inches above the beans.
- Soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours at room temperature.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the soaked beans to the pot and pour in enough water to cover the beans by about 1 inch.
- Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until beans are tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Soaking is crucial: Always soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. The longer soak helps break down complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Don't rush the cooking: Low and slow is the secret to tender, perfectly cooked beans. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
- Season gradually: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from becoming tough. The acidic ingredients like tomatoes should also be added later in the cooking process.
- Enhance flavor depth: Consider adding a small piece of kombu (seaweed) during cooking to improve bean tenderness and add a subtle umami flavor.
- Storage hack: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch. The flavors will continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
- Customize your heat: Want a spicier version? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the intensity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
