Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty side dish, this recipe might be right up your alley. It is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, as it is infused with a rich, smoky flavor that marries perfectly with the tanginess of barbecue sauce.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 3 strips of bacon, crisped and chopped
- 1 finely diced onion
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beer
- ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup of molasses
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 3 cans (15 ounces each) of beans (such as white, kidney, black, pinto), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of water (as needed)
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large ovenproof pot, cook the bacon until it turns crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- Add the minced garlic and finely diced onions to the pot. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Pour in the beer and allow it to cook for approximately one minute, letting it slightly reduce.
- Add the balsamic vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, beans, salt, pepper, and the cooked bacon back into the pot. Stir thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the pot in the preheated smoker and let the beans smoke for around 1 hour, or until they are infused with a rich smoky flavor.
- Should the beans start to dry out during the smoking process, add a small amount of water to maintain your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Fat: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 603mg
- Carbohydrates: 37.8g
- Fiber: 8.4g
- Sugars: 24.8g
- Protein: 9.1g
Keep in mind that the nutritional values presented here are rough estimates and could vary based on factors like ingredient brands and the portion size you serve.
Cooking Tips:
- Feel free to get creative with your choice of beans. White beans, kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans all work well. You can even mix them for a colorful twist.
- During the smoking process, keep an eye on the beans to prevent them from drying out. If needed, add a bit of water to maintain the desired consistency.
- Experiment with different types of wood chips in your smoker to impart unique smoky flavors. Hickory, mesquite, and applewood are popular options.