Smoky Barbecue Beans
Adapted from J. Kenji Lopez Alt on September 1, 2024
Cook:
3 hours, 15 minutes
Active:
20 minutes
Inactive:
12 hours
Total:
15 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients
Serves/makes 10
Instructions
1.
To Cook on the Stovetop: Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon salt, stir to dissolve, and let beans stand on the countertop overnight.
2.
The next day, drain beans and set aside. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cumin, paprika, black pepper, dried chiles, oregano, and chopped meat. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans, bay leaves, and 8 cups (2L) water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a bare simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are completely tender and liquid is reduced to a rich consistency, about 3 hours. Stir in sugar to dissolve, stir in vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper, discard bay leaves, and serve.
3.
To Cook in a Pressure Cooker: Heat vegetable oil in a pressure cooker on medium-high heat until shimmering (if using an electric pressure cooker, set it to 'sauté' and allow to preheat). Add onion and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cumin, paprika, black pepper, dried chiles, oregano, and chopped meat. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans, bay leaves, and 6 cups (1.5L) water. Place lid on cooker and cook at high pressure for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and release pressure in short bursts. Remove lid and simmer until beans are completely tender and liquid is reduced to a rich consistency, about 15 to 30 minutes. Stir in sugar to dissolve, stir in vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper, discard bay leaves, and serve.
Related
Misc.
Notes
Don't forget the salt 😅 + might try more acv next time
These beans are tastiest with leftover smoked brisket, beef chuck, pork, or turkey. If you don't have leftover smoked meat, you can omit it, or replace it with 6 ounces of chopped, cooked bacon or 8 ounces of your favorite smoked sausage, cooked and chopped.