Harissa Bacon Baked Beans: A Spicy, Smoky Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Baked beans are a timeless classic, a staple at barbecues, picnics, and cozy weeknight dinners. But sometimes, even the most beloved recipes need a little kick. Enter Harissa Bacon Baked Beans – a bold and flavorful upgrade that will redefine your perception of this comfort food favorite. The smoky depth of bacon meets the fiery complexity of harissa paste, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe isn’t just about adding heat; it’s about layering flavors to create a truly memorable dish. Get ready to ditch the canned beans and embrace this homemade masterpiece!
Why Harissa Bacon Baked Beans?
Traditional baked beans are undeniably delicious, but they can sometimes lack excitement. Harissa Bacon Baked Beans offer a compelling alternative for several reasons:
* **Unparalleled Flavor:** The combination of smoky bacon, spicy harissa, sweet molasses, and tangy vinegar creates a complex and harmonious flavor profile that is far more interesting than the average baked bean.
* **Depth and Complexity:** Harissa isn’t just about heat; it’s a blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs that adds layers of flavor, from earthy cumin and coriander to smoky paprika and bright garlic. This complexity elevates the baked beans to a whole new level.
* **Perfect Balance:** The sweetness of the molasses and maple syrup balances the heat of the harissa, ensuring that the dish is not overwhelmingly spicy but rather a delightful dance of flavors on your palate.
* **Comfort Food with a Kick:** You get the comforting warmth and familiarity of baked beans with an unexpected and exciting twist. It’s comfort food reimagined.
* **Impressive and Easy:** While the flavor suggests hours of painstaking effort, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and relying on the magic of slow cooking.
* **Versatile:** These beans are a fantastic side dish for everything from grilled meats and burgers to roasted vegetables and cornbread. They also make a delicious topping for toast or a hearty addition to breakfast burritos.
## The Star Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make these Harissa Bacon Baked Beans so special:
* **Dried Beans:** Navy beans are the classic choice for baked beans, but Great Northern beans or even pinto beans can be used as well. Using dried beans allows for greater control over the texture and flavor of the final dish. They are soaked overnight to rehydrate them and shorten the cooking time.
* **Bacon:** Thick-cut bacon is preferred for its robust flavor and satisfying texture. The bacon is rendered to release its flavorful fat, which forms the foundation for the entire dish. You can use different types of bacon to experiment with flavor, such as hickory smoked or maple bacon.
* **Harissa Paste:** This is the star of the show! Harissa paste is a North African chili paste made with a blend of roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs. The heat level can vary depending on the brand, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. Look for it in the international aisle of your grocery store or online. If you can’t find harissa paste, you can make your own by blending roasted red peppers, chili flakes, garlic, cumin, coriander, and olive oil.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatic staples provide a flavorful base for the beans, adding depth and complexity.
* **Molasses and Maple Syrup:** These sweeteners add a rich, dark sweetness that balances the heat of the harissa and enhances the smoky flavor of the bacon. Brown sugar can also be used as a substitute or in addition to molasses or maple syrup.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** The vinegar adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients, creating a more balanced and complex flavor profile.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and a hint of spice, complementing the harissa and enhancing the overall flavor.
* **Chicken or Vegetable Broth:** Using broth instead of water adds another layer of flavor to the beans.
* **Spices:** Smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander further enhance the smoky and earthy notes of the dish.
## Recipe: Harissa Bacon Baked Beans
This recipe is designed to be made in a Dutch oven, but you can also use a large oven-safe pot or a slow cooker. The Dutch oven provides even heat distribution and helps to create a tender, flavorful result.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
**Cook time:** 3-4 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed
* 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2-3 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon coriander
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
**Equipment:**
* Large bowl
* Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Soaking the Beans (The Night Before)**
1. **Rinse the Beans:** Place the dried navy beans in a large bowl and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Pick out any debris or broken beans.
2. **Soak the Beans:** Cover the beans with at least 8 cups of cold water. They will expand as they soak, so make sure there is plenty of water. You can also add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the water to help soften the beans and reduce their cooking time (optional).
3. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate the beans overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
**Part 2: Making the Baked Beans**
1. **Drain and Rinse the Beans:** The next day, drain the soaked beans in a colander and rinse them well under cold running water.
2. **Render the Bacon:** Place the diced bacon in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn the bacon.
3. **Remove Bacon and Reserve Fat:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
4. **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. **Add Harissa Paste and Spices:** Stir in the harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
6. **Add Beans and Liquids:** Add the drained and rinsed beans, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. **Bring to a Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Check the liquid level periodically and add more broth if necessary to keep the beans covered.
8. **Adjust Seasoning:** After 3 hours, taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, harissa paste, or molasses to achieve your desired flavor. If the beans are not tender enough, continue simmering for another hour or until they reach your desired tenderness.
9. **Add Bacon Back:** During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the crispy bacon. This will allow the bacon to reabsorb some of the sauce and infuse the beans with its smoky flavor.
**Part 3: Baking (Optional for more depth)**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. **Bake the Beans:** If you have been simmering the beans on the stovetop until now, you can place the Dutch Oven (with its lid) into the preheated oven for an additional hour. Baking will further develop the flavors and thicken the sauce. If the sauce reduces too much, add some additional broth.
3. **Remove from Oven:** Carefully remove the Dutch Oven from the oven after one hour.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve hot as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
* Top toast or cornbread with the beans for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* Add the beans to breakfast burritos for a flavorful and protein-packed start to the day.
* Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness.
* Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a creamy tang.
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your liking. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. You can also use a milder harissa paste or mix it with a little tomato paste to tone down the spice.
* **Bean Variety:** Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. Each variety will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
* **Smoked Meat:** In addition to bacon, you can also add other smoked meats, such as ham hocks, smoked sausage, or smoked turkey, for extra flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** In addition to, or as a substitute to, molasses and/or maple syrup, you can add brown sugar.
* **Slow Cooker Method:** You can also make these baked beans in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
* **Add Vegetables:** Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions. These vegetables will add sweetness and texture to the beans.
* **Canned Beans:** While dried beans provide the best results, you can use canned beans in a pinch. Drain and rinse the canned beans and reduce the cooking time accordingly. Start by simmering for 1-2 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
* **Liquid Smoke:** A dash of liquid smoke (about 1/4 teaspoon) can enhance the smoky flavor if you desire a more intense smokiness.
* **Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce:** For a different smoky heat, try adding a finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the harissa. Adjust the amount to your preference. This will add a deeper, more robust flavor.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These Harissa Bacon Baked Beans are even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The baked beans can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Serving Ideas
* **Classic BBQ Side:** Serve alongside ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, and coleslaw for a classic barbecue feast.
* **Breakfast Burritos:** Add a scoop of these beans to your breakfast burritos for a hearty and flavorful start to the day. Combine with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
* **Loaded Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with these beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a satisfying and easy meal.
* **Chili Substitute:** Use these beans as a base for a quick and flavorful chili. Add ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices.
* **Cornbread Topping:** Serve warm cornbread with a generous spoonful of these beans for a comforting and delicious combination.
* **Toast Topping:** Elevate your toast with these flavorful beans. Add a fried egg and some crumbled feta cheese for a satisfying brunch or lunch.
* **Vegetarian Bowl:** Create a vegetarian bowl with quinoa or brown rice as the base, then top with these beans, roasted vegetables, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-400
* **Protein:** 20-25g
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-45g
* **Fiber:** 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Harissa Bacon Baked Beans are a delicious and exciting twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy harissa, and sweet molasses creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue, enjoying them for a cozy weeknight dinner, or adding them to your breakfast burritos, these beans are sure to be a hit. So, ditch the canned beans and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy! Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients to make it truly yours!