Crockpot Boston Baked Beans

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans Recipe - Traditional American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 8-12 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Boston Baked Beans are a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This slow-cooked dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in. In this recipe, we will show you how to make Crockpot Boston Baked Beans that are sure to become a family favorite.

History

Boston Baked Beans have a long history in American cuisine, dating back to the colonial era. The dish was originally made with navy beans, salt pork, molasses, and spices, and slow-cooked in a bean pot in a brick oven. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. Today, Boston Baked Beans are a popular side dish at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) small white dry beans
0.13 lb (59 g) of salt pork or bacon (I used shortening and a little bit of smoke flavoring instead, as my son is allergic to pork)
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp molasses
0.5 tsp mustard
1 medium onion, diced
0.25 cup catsup

How to prepare

Prepare the beans.
Wash the beans and remove any clinkers (small rocks).
Parboil the beans in a large pot or spaghetti cooker for 1.5 hours.
Drain the beans.
Place the beans in a slow cooker with the other ingredients, add enough water to just cover the beans, and cook until the beans are thick and dark brown, usually 8 – 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
For variations, you can add more onions or condiments.
For BBQ style, add chopped green pepper, double the amount of sugar and molasses, and substitute BBQ sauce for ketchup.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beans.
For a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of brown sugar and molasses in the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Parboiling the beans before adding them to the slow cooker helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Stir the beans occasionally while they are cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.

- For a smokier flavor, you can add a few strips of bacon to the beans before cooking.

- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the beans to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are perfect served alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or coleslaw. They also make a great topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the beans in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender and flavorful. This method results in a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dry white beans, you can use canned navy beans instead. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also substitute maple syrup for the molasses for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating and serving. The flavors will continue to develop as the beans sit, making them even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Boston Baked Beans in a rustic ceramic dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish the beans with a drizzle of barbecue sauce or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, ribs, or sausage. They also go well with cornbread, potato salad, or macaroni and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Crockpot Boston Baked Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are a nutritious and delicious side dish that is high in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. They are a good source of iron and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are a classic American dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty and flavorful side dish is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve them alongside your favorite grilled meats or enjoy them on their own for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Martha. The pages were worn and stained, a testament to the countless meals that had been prepared using its recipes. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Crockpot Boston Baked Beans caught my eye.

I had always loved baked beans, but I had never tried making them myself. The idea of slow-cooking them in a crockpot intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try. I could almost smell the rich, smoky aroma of the beans as they simmered away for hours on end.

I decided to make the recipe that very day. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - navy beans, bacon, molasses, mustard, and onions. As I chopped and stirred, I thought about the history of this dish. Boston Baked Beans had been a staple in New England for centuries, dating back to the days of the Pilgrims. The combination of sweet molasses and savory bacon was a match made in culinary heaven.

As the beans cooked in the crockpot, the scent that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. When the beans were finally done, I ladled out a generous portion into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue - the sweetness of the molasses, the smokiness of the bacon, and the tang of the mustard all melded together perfectly.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so incredibly flavorful.

Over the years, I have made Crockpot Boston Baked Beans countless times. Each time, I tweak the recipe ever so slightly, adding a dash more mustard or a pinch of brown sugar to suit my taste. But the basic ingredients remain the same - navy beans, bacon, molasses, mustard, and onions.

I have shared this recipe with anyone who asks, passing it down from generation to generation. My grandchildren love to watch me make it, their eyes wide with anticipation as the beans bubble away in the crockpot. They know that soon enough, they will be able to savor the same delicious beans that I have enjoyed for so many years.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories that this recipe holds for me. It is more than just a dish - it is a connection to my past, a link to my dear friend Martha, and a way to pass on a piece of my culinary heritage to those I love.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a hearty, comforting meal, look no further than Crockpot Boston Baked Beans. I promise you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from enjoying a dish that has been made with love and passed down through the ages.