Old-Fashioned Beans

Old-Fashioned Beans Recipe from USA | Pea, Mustard, Pepper, Onions, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Salt Pork

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

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Beans is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of navy beans, salt pork, onions, and molasses creates a rich and savory dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Old-Fashioned Beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. This recipe has its roots in traditional New England cooking, where beans were a common ingredient due to their affordability and versatility. The addition of molasses and salt pork adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish, making it a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of pea or navy beans
water
2 tsp of dry mustard
a dash of pepper
1 tbsp of salt
3 onions, chopped
0.25 cup of brown sugar
0.25 cup of molasses
2 tbsp of sweet pickle juice
0.25 lb (113 g) of salt pork

How to prepare

Wash and clean the beans.
Cover the beans with water and let them soak overnight.
Drain the beans.
Add 2 cups of water, mustard, pepper, salt, onions, brown sugar, and molasses to the beans.
Boil the beans, covered, for about 1.5 hours until they become wrinkled.
Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
Cut the salt pork into 0.5” cubes.
Place the salt pork in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) bean pot.
Cover the salt pork with the hot beans and their liquid.
Sprinkle the beans with pepper.
Bake the beans, covered, for 8 hours until they become very tender.
When the beans have been baking for 6 hours, add about 0.75 cup of water or just enough to cover them.
Uncover the pot for the last 0.5 hour of baking.

Variations

Substitute the navy beans with pinto beans or black beans for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and freshness.
Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a sweeter taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Adding a dash of dry mustard and brown sugar enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

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

- Adding water during the baking process helps to prevent the beans from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Old-Fashioned Beans can be served as a main dish with cornbread or biscuits on the side. They also pair well with coleslaw or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve texture.

- Baking the beans low and slow allows the flavors to develop and creates a tender dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bacon or ham hock instead of salt pork for a different flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Old-Fashioned Beans can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Old-Fashioned Beans in individual ramekins or a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Old-Fashioned Beans pair well with grilled meats such as ribs or chicken, as well as roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 9g

- Sugars: 12g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg

- Calcium: 80mg

- Vitamin C: 4mg

Alergens

Contains pork

Summary

Old-Fashioned Beans are a nutritious and filling dish that is high in fiber and protein. The combination of beans, pork, and molasses provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Old-Fashioned Beans is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. This hearty and flavorful recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of this traditional dish with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Old-Fashioned Beans. It was tucked away in an old, dusty cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the comforting aroma of beans simmering on the stove. I knew I had to try my hand at making this dish, and so began my journey into the world of traditional cooking.

My grandmother had always been a source of inspiration for me in the kitchen. She was a master at creating delicious meals from simple, wholesome ingredients. I spent many hours by her side as a child, watching and learning as she prepared her signature dishes. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, traits that I would come to rely on as I honed my own cooking skills.

One summer afternoon, I decided to tackle the recipe for Old-Fashioned Beans. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - dried navy beans, bacon, onions, and a few other pantry staples - and set to work. As I soaked the beans and chopped the vegetables, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the generations of women who had come before me, each adding their own touch to this timeless dish.

The recipe called for the beans to be simmered slowly with the bacon and onions, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory broth. As the pot bubbled away on the stove, I could hardly wait to taste the finished product. Finally, after hours of simmering, the beans were tender and flavorful, the perfect blend of smoky bacon and sweet onions.

I served up a steaming bowl of Old-Fashioned Beans and took a hesitant first bite. The taste was like a warm hug from my grandmother, comforting and familiar. I savored each spoonful, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction at having successfully recreated a beloved family recipe.

In the years that followed, I made Old-Fashioned Beans countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experimented with new seasonings and techniques. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this simple yet delicious dish to the next generation.

As I look back on that first attempt at making Old-Fashioned Beans, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration passed down to me by my grandmother. Her love of cooking and her dedication to preserving family recipes have shaped me into the cook I am today. I will always cherish the memories of time spent in the kitchen with her, learning and laughing as we cooked together.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Old-Fashioned Beans once again, I am reminded of the enduring power of food to connect us to our past and to bring us together in the present. I am grateful for the legacy of recipes that have been handed down through the generations, each one a thread in the rich tapestry of my family's culinary history. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share these recipes, my grandmother's spirit will live on in every delicious bite.