Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans
Slow-baked beans infused with the deep flavors of dark rum and molasses, accented by warm spices for a comforting side dish. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 160 minutes pairs dried navy beans, dark rum, molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried navy beans
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 3 tbsp molasses
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried navy beans and soak in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 tbsp molasses, 1/4 cup dark rum, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Add the soaked beans and 3 cups water to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beans are tender and the sauce thickens, stirring halfway through.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm as a hearty side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans take to make?
Total time is about 160 minutes (10 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried navy beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Dark Rum and Molasses Baked Beans?
Caribbean slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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