Description
Boston Baked Beans is a classic American dish featuring tender navy beans slow-cooked with salt pork, molasses, brown sugar, and aromatic spices to create a rich, sweet, and savory flavor perfect as a hearty side or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Liquids
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
Meat
- 1/2 pound salt pork, diced
Sweeteners
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Soak Beans: Soak the dried navy beans overnight in water to soften and prepare them for cooking.
- Prepare Beans for Cooking: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then transfer them into a pot with 6 cups of fresh water.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced salt pork, molasses, brown sugar, chopped onion, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar into the pot with the beans and water.
- Cook Beans: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 6 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded thoroughly.
- Manage Liquid: Add more water as needed throughout the cooking process to ensure the beans remain covered and prevent burning.
- Finish and Serve: Once tender, remove the pot from heat and let the baked beans sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Salt pork can be substituted with bacon if preferred.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last hour of cooking.
- Boston baked beans taste even better the next day after the flavors have further developed.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the beans from sticking or burning.
