Ingredients:

  • 6 oz (170 g) Thick-Cut Smoked Bacon, diced into small lardons
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 (15-ounce) cans Navy Beans (or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Dark Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark Robust)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Blackstrap or Dark Molasses
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) Smoked Paprika (Sweet or Hot)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Bourbon (Optional)
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook diced bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove most of the bacon with a slotted spoon, setting aside for garnish, and leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat. Cook gently until softened and translucent (about 5–7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, Dijon, vinegar, smoked paprika, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bourbon (if using). Heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly to create the glaze base.
  4. Stir in the rinsed beans and the broth/water. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, stirring the mixture halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and flavour melding.
  6. Remove the lid. Stir in about half of the reserved crispy bacon. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 30–45 minutes, or until the sauce has significantly thickened and the top is glossy and caramelized.
  7. Let the beans rest for 10–15 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to set. Garnish generously with the remaining crispy bacon just before serving.