Crockpot Boston Baked Beans I
Savory and Flavorful Crockpot Boston Baked Beans I Recipe from USA
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 meal at home. 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 traditionally made with navy beans, molasses, and salt pork, and slow-cooked in a bean pot in a brick oven. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include different ingredients and cooking methods, but the essence of the dish remains the same – rich, sweet, and savory baked beans.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) of dry small white or pea beans
- 1 medium onion
- 0.25 lb (113 g) of fat back salt pork (optional)
- 1 tsp of dry mustard
- 0.5 tsp of ground cloves
- 1 cup of molasses
- 0.5 cup of dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp of salt
How to prepare
- Soak the beans overnight in a gallon of water.
- In a 5 qt (4.73 liter) slow cooker, mix together the finely chopped onion, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, salt, and pork (cut into 1 inch cubes).
- Add the soaked beans and enough water to cover them.
- Set the cooker on low and cook for 10 – 12 hours, stirring once after the first hour.
- If desired, you can substitute 4 strips of crumbled crisp bacon for the salt pork.
- Enjoy.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Adding a piece of salt pork or bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
- Stirring the beans occasionally during cooking helps to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are delicious on their own as a main dish, or served as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Cooking Techniques
Slow cooking the beans in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender and creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Make Ahead Tips
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Crockpot Boston Baked Beans in a rustic ceramic dish, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Pairing Recommendations
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans pair well with cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Crockpot Boston Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans contains approximately 10 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 filling dish that is high in carbohydrates, moderate in fats, and a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans are a classic American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal at home. This slow-cooked dish is rich, sweet, and savory, and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Crockpot Boston Baked Beans. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Massachusetts. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me over to her house for a special cooking lesson. She told me we were going to make one of her favorite dishes - Boston Baked Beans.
As we gathered the ingredients and got to work, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind this delicious dish. She explained that Boston Baked Beans were a traditional New England dish that had been passed down through generations. The recipe had originally come from the early American colonists, who had adapted it from Native American cooking techniques.
My grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been cherished in our family for many years, and my grandmother was excited to pass it down to me.
As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother showed me all of the steps to making the perfect batch of Boston Baked Beans. We started by soaking the dried navy beans overnight, then simmering them on the stove until they were tender. Next, we added in the molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and salt, along with some chopped onions and bacon for extra flavor.
Once everything was mixed together, my grandmother poured the bean mixture into the crockpot and set it to cook low and slow for several hours. The aroma of the beans cooking filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious meal to come.
As we waited for the beans to finish cooking, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own childhood and the many meals she had shared with her family. She told me about the times she had cooked Boston Baked Beans for special occasions, and how it always brought everyone together around the table.
Finally, after hours of patiently waiting, the beans were ready. My grandmother carefully spooned out a serving for each of us, topping them with a dollop of tangy coleslaw and a slice of freshly baked cornbread. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to a simpler time, surrounded by family and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.
That day, as I sat at my grandmother's table enjoying her delicious Boston Baked Beans, I realized the true power of food to connect us to our past and bring us together in the present. I vowed to carry on the tradition of making this dish for my own family, passing down the recipe just as my grandmother had done for me.
And so, every time I make a batch of Crockpot Boston Baked Beans, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and history that went into each and every bite. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, just as it has for generations before me.
Categories
| American Recipes | Baked Bean Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Dark Brown Sugar Recipes | Dry Mustard Recipes | Molasses Recipes | Navy Bean Recipes | Onion Recipes | Salt Pork Recipes | World Recipes |