A Hill of Beans - Baked Beans That Is

The Legacy of Baked Beans

Baked beans have a storied history, especially in American cuisine. They were a staple in the diets of early settlers and cowboys. Today, they remain a beloved dish at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. According to the USDA, beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.

Old-Fashioned Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pea or navy beans
• Water
• 2 tsp. dry mustard
• Dash of pepper
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 3 onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tbsp. sweet pickle juice
• 1/4 lb. salt pork

Instructions:

1. Wash and clean the beans. Cover with water and soak overnight. Drain.
2. Add 2 cups water, mustard, pepper, salt, onions, brown sugar, molasses, and pickle juice. Boil, covered, for about 1.5 hours until beans are wrinkled.
3. Preheat oven to 250°F. Cut salt pork into 1/2” cubes. Place in a 2-quart bean pot. Cover with hot beans and their liquid. Sprinkle with pepper.
4. Bake covered for 8 hours until very tender. After 6 hours, add about 3/4 cup water or just enough to cover. Uncover the pot for the last 30 minutes.

Boston Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups navy beans, white beans, or Great Northern beans
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 lb. salt pork
• 2 tsp. dry mustard
• 5 tbsp. dark-brown sugar
• 4 tbsp. molasses

Instructions:

1. Wash the beans thoroughly. Soak overnight in water to cover.
2. Add salt, stir, and drain, reserving the liquid. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Cut off a third of the salt pork and place it on the bottom of the bean pot. Add the beans.
4. Blend the mustard, brown sugar, and molasses with the reserved bean liquid and pour over the beans. Cover and bake for 6.5 hours, adding water as needed. Uncover for the final hour of cooking.

Easy Beans

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 3 1-lb. cans baked beans
• 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. prepared mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• 5 drops bottled hot pepper sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain. Combine with beans.
2. Add tomato sauce, onion, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
3. Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake uncovered in a beanpot for 4.5 hours.

Lazy Beans

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 1-lb. cans pork and beans
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1.5 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. prepared mustard

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp and drain. Reserve 1.5 tbsp. of the drippings. Crumble bacon.
2. Cook onion in the reserved drippings until tender but not brown. Add to remaining ingredients, blending well.
3. Place in a casserole. Bake uncovered on a grill with the hood down for 2 to 2.5 hours.

Out on the Range Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 32-oz. can baked beans
• 1 cup beer
• 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 4 hot dogs, cut into 1/2” pieces
• 1 tbsp. horseradish
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together. Place in an oven-proof casserole.
2. Bake at 300°F for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add additional beer if beans seem to be drying out.

Quick Beans

Ingredients:

• 4 cans (16 oz. each) baked beans, drained
• 1.5 onions, chopped very fine
• 1 lb. bacon, diced, cooked, and drained
• 1 bottle (12 oz.) chili sauce
• 2 cups packed brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients. Blend well and place in a beanpot or casserole dish.
2. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 1 hour.

Slow Cooker Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 can (16 oz.) dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (16 oz.) light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (16 oz.) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted diced tomatoes
• 2 green peppers, cut into strips
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. oregano leaves, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. sage
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Water

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Add water to cover the beans.
2. Cook on HIGH for 6-7 hours.

Nutritional Benefits of Baked Beans

Baked beans are not just delicious; they are also packed with nutrients. According to the USDA, a cup of baked beans provides about 14 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber. They are also rich in iron, magnesium, and folate, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Interesting Stats

• The average American consumes about 7.5 pounds of beans annually (Source: USDA).
• Baked beans are particularly popular in the UK, where Heinz sells over 1.5 million cans every day (Source: Heinz).

Baked beans are a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer the traditional recipes or want to try something new, baked beans are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

Sources:

• USDA
• Heinz