January 9, 2010

How to Make Baked Beans

January 9, 2010

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic dish with a rich history and diverse preparation methods. Here’s an overview of their origins, variations, and a basic recipe:

Origins and History

  • Ancient Beginnings: Baked beans have roots tracing back to Native American cuisine. The indigenous peoples of the Americas would prepare beans with maple syrup and venison, cooking them slowly in earthen pots.
  • Colonial America: When European settlers arrived, they adapted these recipes, substituting molasses for maple syrup and adding pork. This adaptation led to the classic New England-style baked beans.
  • British Influence: In the UK, baked beans became popular in the 19th century. British-style baked beans are typically cooked in a tomato sauce and are a staple of the full English breakfast.

Variations

  1. New England-Style: Characterized by a sweet, molasses-based sauce with salt pork or bacon.
  2. Southern-Style: Often includes brown sugar, mustard, and sometimes barbecue sauce, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
  3. British-Style: Usually cooked in a tomato sauce and served on toast or as part of a full breakfast.

Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices bacon, large dice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cans (15 oz. each) white beans with their juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup dark molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Cook the Bacon:
    • Cut the bacon into large dice.
    • Place the diced bacon in an ovenproof pot, such as a Dutch oven, and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the Onion:
    • Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon.
    • Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Combine the Ingredients:
    • Add the white beans with their juice to the pot.
    • Stir in the ketchup, dark molasses, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bake the Beans:
    • Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven.
    • Bake for 2 ½ hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove the pot from the oven and let the beans sit for a few minutes.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Print the Baked Beans Recipe Here

My name is Mary Ann Allen and I am here to help you get organized so you can save money on groceries and feed your family healthy, nutritious food. My multi-cultural cooking background comes from being born in the US and raised in Bolivia. I have 5 kids and own around 400 cook books. I absolutely love to cook!