Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, known for their rich, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe for traditional baked beans is straightforward, but it also offers variations to customize the dish according to your preferences. Baked beans require a slow and gentle cooking process to develop their delicious taste. While the active preparation time is minimal, they require at least 4 hours of cooking, mostly unattended. Whether served as a side dish or transformed into a one-pot meal, baked beans are a versatile and satisfying option. Let’s explore the recipe, variations, and different uses for this timeless dish.

MAKES: 6 to 8 servings

TIME: At least 4 hours, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound dried navy, pea, or other white beans, washed and picked over
• 8 ounces salt pork or slab bacon
• 1/2 cup molasses, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard or 2 tablespoons prepared mustard, or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the beans according to the instructions for the “Cooked Beans, the Quick-Soak Way” or one of its variations. Cook them just until they start to become tender, which should take around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the bean and cooking method.
2. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Cube or slice the salt pork or bacon and place it at the bottom of a bean pot or deep ovenproof pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven.
3. Drain the cooked beans, reserving the cooking water if desired. In a separate bowl, mix the beans with molasses and mustard until well combined. Pour the mixture over the salt pork or bacon in the pot.
4. Add enough boiling water (or reserved bean-cooking water) to cover the beans by about an inch.
5. Bake the beans, uncovered, checking and stirring every half hour or so. Add more water if needed. After approximately 3 hours, taste the beans and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sweetener (such as molasses), or mustard as desired.
6. When the beans are very tender, scoop the meat from the bottom and place it on top of the beans. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook until the pork browns slightly and the beans are bubbling, which should take around 10 minutes. You can repeat this process several times, browning the meat each time, to enhance the flavor and darken the color of the dish.
7. Serve the baked beans hot.

VARIATIONS:

• Vegetarian Baked Beans: Omit the salt pork or bacon and substitute 2 tablespoons of butter or neutral oil. Add 1 large or 2 medium onions, quartered, and 2 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes (canned is fine) along with the molasses and mustard.
• Baked Beans with Cracker Crumb Crust: After uncovering the beans and raising the oven temperature in Step 6, sprinkle the top of the beans with approximately 1 1/2 cups of crumbled saltines or bread crumbs. Return the pot to the oven and bake until the crust turns golden, which should take 20 to 30 minutes.
• Tomato-Baked Beans: In Step 3, when mixing the beans with molasses and mustard, add 1 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes (canned, including the juices) and 1/4 cup of tomato paste. Proceed with the recipe.

USES:

• Serve baked beans as a side dish alongside grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or roasted vegetables.
• Enjoy them as a main course by adding cooked sausage chunks or serving them over rice or cornbread.
• Transform leftover baked beans into a comforting soup by adding 4 cups of beef, chicken, or vegetable stock after baking.

Baked beans are a timeless and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course. This classic recipe offers variations to suit different tastes and preferences, allowing you to customize the flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re serving baked beans at a summer barbecue, incorporating them into a hearty soup, or enjoying them as a comforting side dish, they are sure to please. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and creates a satisfying and delicious dish that will be loved by all.