Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd

Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd Recipe - Authentic Swedish Dish

Region / culture: Sweden | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd is a hearty, comforting dish that brings a touch of Scandinavian tradition to your table. This recipe is perfect for large gatherings, offering a warm, rich, and savory experience that's sure to please everyone. With its deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg, combined with the tender, creamy Swedish brown beans and savory salt pork, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

History

The tradition of baking brown beans has deep roots in Swedish cuisine, dating back centuries. Originally, this dish was a staple among farmers and rural communities, valued for its simplicity, nutritional content, and ability to feed many mouths. Over time, it has become a beloved classic across Sweden, often served during holidays and special occasions. The recipe has evolved, incorporating ingredients like molasses and spices, which were once considered luxury items, making today's version richer and more flavorful.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) dried Swedish brown beans
2 tsp salt
1 lb (454 g) lean salt pork, cut into cubes
1 cup dark molasses
1 stick cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
1 medium white onion, sliced

How to prepare

Wash the beans and soak them overnight in cold water, making sure they are fully covered.
Add salt and salt pork to the beans and let them simmer for 2 hours.
Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to a deep bean pot.
Cover the pot and bake it in a 325-degree oven for 5 hours. If the beans start to dry out, add more water as needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute salt pork with smoked tofu or tempeh for a meat-free alternative.
Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beans before baking for a bit of heat.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in chopped apples and a tablespoon of mustard for an interesting flavor contrast.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked Swedish Brown Beans turn out perfectly, consider these tips:

- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and achieve a tender texture.

- Keep the water level in check while baking, adding more if necessary to prevent the beans from drying out.

- For a less fatty version, you can trim the salt pork or substitute it with a leaner cut of meat.

- Baking at a low temperature for a long duration allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is traditionally served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with crusty bread, pickled beets, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

The slow baking technique is crucial for this recipe, allowing the flavors to develop fully and the beans to become perfectly tender. Soaking the beans overnight is another important step that should not be skipped, as it significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Swedish brown beans are unavailable, navy beans or great northern beans make suitable substitutes.

- Maple syrup can be used in place of molasses for a different but equally delicious sweetness.

- For those avoiding pork, smoked turkey can be a flavorful alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared a day in advance, up to the point of baking. Store the soaked and seasoned beans in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed when ready to serve. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the beans in a rustic, earthenware dish to highlight their traditional roots. A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a touch of color and an aromatic appeal. For individual servings, consider using mini cocottes for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A robust, full-bodied red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Syrah, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the beans and salt pork. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark, malty ale or a rich apple cider complements the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Baked Swedish Brown Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 325 degrees until heated through, adding a little water if necessary to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Baked Swedish Brown Beans contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a hearty option that can serve as a main dish, providing ample energy without being overly caloric.

Carbohydrates

Swedish brown beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. In this recipe, a single serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The molasses also adds to the carbohydrate count, contributing both sweetness and additional nutrients.

Fats

The lean salt pork is the primary source of fat in this dish. A serving contains about 10 grams of fat, a moderate amount that contributes to the dish's satisfying richness. For a healthier version, the fat content can be reduced by choosing leaner cuts of meat or adjusting the portion size.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the combination of Swedish brown beans and salt pork. Each serving provides approximately 20 grams of protein, making it a filling and nutritious option for meal times.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish brown beans are rich in various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. The addition of molasses also contributes small amounts of calcium and iron. Together, these ingredients make the dish not only delicious but also beneficial for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with specific dietary restrictions should check the ingredients list carefully, especially regarding the salt pork, to ensure it meets their needs.

Summary

Overall, Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd is a nutritious dish that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for feeding a large group.

Summary

Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd is a traditional, nourishing dish that's perfect for gatherings. With its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility, it's sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients brought together in a delicious and satisfying way.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd. It was a cold winter day, and I had just come back from a visit to my dear friend Elsa's house. As always, she had prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy together, and this time it was these hearty and flavorful baked beans.

I had never tasted anything quite like them before – the beans were tender and creamy, with a rich, savory sauce that was both sweet and tangy at the same time. I asked Elsa for the recipe, and she smiled and told me that it had been passed down through her family for generations. She graciously shared the recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try making it for my own family.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I would need – dried brown beans, bacon, onions, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and a few secret spices that Elsa had whispered to me. I soaked the beans overnight, then cooked them until they were just tender. In a separate pan, I fried the bacon until it was crispy, then sautéed the onions until they were soft and caramelized.

I mixed together the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and spices to create a thick, sweet and tangy sauce, then combined everything together in a large baking dish. I covered the dish with foil and baked it in the oven for several hours, until the beans were bubbling and the sauce had thickened and caramelized.

When I finally took the dish out of the oven and removed the foil, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma – sweet and smoky, with a hint of spice. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I scooped a generous portion of the beans onto my plate and took my first bite, I was transported back to Elsa's kitchen, surrounded by warmth and laughter. The beans were just as delicious as I remembered – rich and savory, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a comforting and satisfying dish that would bring my family together.

Over the years, I have made these Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd many times, always receiving rave reviews from my loved ones. Each time I make them, I think of Elsa and the special bond we share through food and friendship. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and to pass it down to future generations, keeping alive the tradition and the memories that it holds.

As I sit here now, writing down this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the wonderful meals I have shared with my family and friends, thanks to this simple yet delicious recipe. Food truly has a way of bringing people together, of creating memories and forging connections that last a lifetime.

And so, I will continue to cook and bake, to explore new recipes and techniques, and to share the joy of good food with those I hold dear. Because in the end, it is not just about the ingredients or the method – it is about the love and care that go into each dish, the stories and traditions that make it special. And for me, these Baked Swedish Brown Beans for a Crowd will always hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.