Smoky Vegan Baked Beans

1. 1
   prep

   Soak the navy beans overnight.

   Place dried navy beans in a large bowl and cover with water by 3 inches. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans well before cooking.

   TIPSoaking softens the beans and reduces cooking time. If short on time, use the quick soak method: boil beans for 2 minutes, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.
2. 2
   boil · ~45 min

   Cook the soaked beans until tender.

   Add drained beans to a large pot and cover with fresh water by 2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

   TIPDo not add salt while cooking beans — salt at this stage can toughen their skins.
3. 3
   saute · ~10 min

   Build the smoky aromatic base.

   1.Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat.

   2.Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (5-7 min).

   3.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 min).

   4.Stir in tomato paste and smoked paprika, cooking until darkened and aromatic (2 min).

   TIPCooking the tomato paste until it darkens deepens its sweetness and eliminates any raw metallic taste.
4. 4
   mix · ~2 min

   Combine beans with the sauce.

   Add the cooked beans to the pot along with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of reserved bean cooking liquid. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. 5
   simmer · ~30 min

   Simmer until thick and glossy.

   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beans nicely. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

   TIPThe sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Aim for a slightly looser consistency in the pot than you want on the plate.
6. 6
   garnish · ~5 min

   Rest briefly and serve warm.

   Remove from heat and let the beans sit for 5 minutes. The flavors meld further as they rest. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar for brightness.

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