Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans

Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 7 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Yellow eye beans are a type of bean that are popular in New England cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making them a delicious addition to any meal. In this recipe, we will be making home-baked yellow eye beans that are sure to become a family favorite.

History

Yellow eye beans have been a staple in New England cooking for centuries. They were originally brought to the region by European settlers and quickly became a popular ingredient in many dishes. Home-baked yellow eye beans are a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family putting their own unique spin on the recipe.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of dry yellow-eye beans
1 small white onion, sliced
1 apple, peeled and sliced
0.25 lb (113 g) of salt pork
1 cup of maple syrup
1 tsp of dry mustard
1 tbsp of salt

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight in water.
Without draining, bring the beans to a boil, adding more water as necessary to keep them covered.
Simmer the beans for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Place the onion and apple at the bottom of a bean pot, then fill it halfway with the soaked beans.
Add the salt pork and pour in the remaining beans.
Pour the maple syrup over the beans, then sprinkle them with mustard and salt.
Cover the beans with boiling water and bake them for 5 hours.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Substitute bacon for the salt pork for a smokier taste.
Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Adding salt pork to the beans adds flavor and richness to the dish.

- Baking the beans low and slow allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious, tender dish.

Serving Suggestions

Home-baked yellow eye beans can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cornbread. They also make a hearty and satisfying main dish on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.

- Baking the beans low and slow allows the flavors to develop and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find yellow eye beans, you can use navy beans or great northern beans as a substitute.

- If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or ham hock for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Home-baked yellow eye beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve home-baked yellow eye beans in a rustic bean pot for a traditional New England feel. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Home-baked yellow eye beans pair well with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or a hearty salad. They also go well with cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of home-baked yellow eye beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of home-baked yellow eye beans contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Yellow eye beans are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of this dish contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish contains a small amount of fat from the salt pork. One serving has approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Yellow eye beans are a great source of protein, with one serving of this dish containing approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Yellow eye beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains pork, which may be an allergen for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, home-baked yellow eye beans are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Home-baked yellow eye beans are a classic New England dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious meal that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a cold, blustery day in the middle of winter, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy farmhouse in the countryside. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was hit with the comforting aroma of a pot of beans simmering on the stove.

Martha greeted me with a warm hug and a smile, and invited me to sit down at the kitchen table while she finished up the final touches on our lunch. As she bustled about the kitchen, I couldn't help but notice a faded, yellowed piece of paper stuck to the refrigerator with a magnet. Curious, I got up and took a closer look. It was a handwritten recipe for Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans.

I asked Martha about the recipe, and she smiled knowingly. "Ah, those beans are a family favorite," she said. "I learned how to make them from my great-grandmother, who passed the recipe down to my grandmother, who passed it down to me. There's something about them that just warms the soul on a cold day like today."

Intrigued, I asked Martha if she would show me how to make the beans. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, her guiding me through each step with patience and love. As the beans slowly simmered away on the stove, filling the kitchen with their rich, savory scent, Martha regaled me with stories of her family and their love of good food.

By the time the beans were ready, I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of tender yellow eye beans, smoky bacon, and sweet maple syrup was a revelation to my taste buds. I couldn't wait to share it with my own family.

Over the years, I made the Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different types of beans, added extra spices, and even tried cooking them in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.

But no matter how I changed the recipe, the essence of those beans remained the same. They were a comforting reminder of that cold winter day in Martha's kitchen, of the warmth of friendship and the joy of sharing a good meal with loved ones.

Now, whenever I make the Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans, I think of Martha and her family, and the generations of women who came before her. I think of the rich culinary heritage that we all carry with us, passed down through the ages in the form of cherished recipes.

And I am grateful for the gift of that recipe, and the memories it holds. For me, those beans will always be more than just a dish – they are a connection to the past, a link to the women who came before me, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together in love and fellowship.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting, hearty meal, why not give the Home-baked Yellow Eye Beans a try? Who knows, maybe you'll create your own memories and traditions along the way. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring us together and nourish both body and soul.