Serves 4-6

Free of: All top allergens, except optional mustard and gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (454 g) dried navy beans, rinsed
  (pick out any bad ones)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 pound (250 g) bacon, chopped
• 6 cups (1.5 L) water
• 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
• 1 tsp (5 mL) English-style dry mustard
  [optional, may contain wheat]
• 1 tsp (5 mL) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 mL) salt

Method

1. Cover beans with 2 inches (5 cm) cold water and soak overnight.
2. Strain and rinse beans. Discard soak water.
3. Place beans in a large, heavy pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are just tender, approximately 45 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into pot, combine well, cover and place just above a coal-rich open fire.
5. Cook slowly for 3-4 hours. A very low heat is needed to provide a gentle simmer.

Note: You can also make these delicious beans in a heavy, covered casserole dish in the oven. Bake at 300°F for about 2.5 hours.

Recipe by Simon Clarke

Food photography, Chris Gonzaga

First published in Allergic Living magazine. To subscribe, click here.

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