Heart-Healthy Boston Baked Beans
Savor the comforting warmth of **Heart-Healthy Boston Baked Beans**, a lighter twist on the classic New England favorite. This wholesome recipe combines tender navy beans with the natural sweetness of unsweetened apple juice, molasses, and tomato paste, while incorporating bold flavors like Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Unlike traditional baked beans, this version prioritizes health with low-sodium vegetable broth and skips the added sugars, making it a perfect fit for heart-smart diets. Slow-baked to perfection, these beans are irresistibly rich and satisfying, whether served as a delicious side dish or a hearty plant-based main course. Packed with fiber, flavor, and homemade warmth, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier take on comfort food classics.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large pot or bowl and cover them with the 6 cups of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Drain and rinse the beans well. Transfer them to a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple juice, vegetable broth, tomato paste, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Pour the liquid mixture over the beans in the pot. Stir to ensure the beans are well coated with the mixture.
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add a little more water or vegetable broth if the beans begin to look dry.
Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more pepper or a dash of vinegar if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a hearty main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1615 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.9 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 590 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.2 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 64.8 g | 231% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.5 g | ||
| Protein | 92.3 g | 185% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 781 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 6807 mg | 145% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
