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–+ servings

Maple-Infused Slow Cooker Beans

This dish features dried beans slowly cooked in a crockpot with a touch of maple syrup and smoky seasonings. The final texture is tender and thick, with a caramelized glaze and rich aroma, showcasing a comforting and hearty presentation.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Calories: 250kcal
Author: James Taylor
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Small pot

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried pinto beans rinsed and sorted
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth enough to cover beans
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup preferably pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

  • Begin by rinsing and sorting the dried beans to remove any debris. Soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours for quicker cooking. Drain and set aside.
  • In a small pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This creates a sweet, savory base for the beans.
  • Add the cooked onion and garlic, along with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, to the slow cooker. Stir to combine the flavors evenly.
  • Pour in the rinsed beans and cover them with water or broth, ensuring there's enough liquid to cook the beans thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the beans to become tender and absorb all the flavors. The house will fill with a rich, caramelized aroma as the beans gently simmer.
  • About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the maple syrup, which will glaze the beans with a subtle sweetness and help deepen the flavor profile.
  • Once the cooking is complete, check the beans for tenderness. If they are soft and have a slight glaze on the surface, they are ready to serve. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Garnish with additional black pepper or chopped herbs if desired. Serve the beans hot, spooned over rice or as a hearty side dish.

Notes

For a creamier texture, mash a few beans into the mixture before serving. Keep an eye on the liquid level during cooking and add more broth if necessary to prevent burning. Leftover beans taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 900mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg