How to Make Beans With Bacon - Cooking With Melissa Clark | The New York Times

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: ham

Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Honey adds sweetness with fewer calories.

apple cider vinegar

🥗Healthier: red wine vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Red wine vinegar offers a similar tang.

Soak pinto beans in red wine overnight, then drain.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and chop.

Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine soaked beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, vinegar, black pepper, and salt.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and add enough water to cover the beans.

Add bay leaves, smoked paprika, and thyme to the dish.

Cover with foil and bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to thicken sauce.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens