Slab Bacon Baked Beans

Slab Bacon Baked Beans Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

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

Introduction

Slab Bacon Baked Beans is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a summer barbecue. The combination of hearty beans, savory slab bacon, and sweet maple syrup creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to the early colonial period. The addition of slab bacon to baked beans adds a rich and smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level. This recipe is a traditional New England favorite, perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried Navy or Yellow Eye beans
water
0.25 cup chopped onion
0.25 lb (113 g) slab bacon or salt pork
0.75 cup pure maple syrup
1 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp dry mustard

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight in 6 cups of cold water.
Drain the beans and put them into a large cooking pot.
Add enough water to cover the beans, about 6 cups.
Bring the pot to a boil, cover it, and cook at a slow boil for 30 minutes.
Drain the beans, but reserve the cooking water.
Combine the beans with chopped onions.
Spoon half of the mixture into the bottom of a 2.5 to 3 qt (2.84 liter) bean pot.
Score the slab bacon, cut it in half, and place one piece on top of the beans.
Spoon in the remaining beans.
Mix the syrup, salt, and dry mustard with 1 cup of the reserved bean cooking water. Pour the mixture over the beans. Add more bean cooking water if needed to cover the beans.
Place the remaining slab bacon on top.
Cover the bean pot and bake it in a 325-degree oven for 6 hours. Add more bean cooking liquid if needed. Uncover for the last hour.
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
Source: Marlboro Country Cookbook.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use molasses instead of maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Substitute smoked ham hocks for the slab bacon for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Adding reserved bean cooking water to the dish helps to keep the beans moist and flavorful.

- Score the slab bacon before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Covering the bean pot while baking helps to trap in moisture and create a tender, flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slab Bacon Baked Beans as a side dish with grilled meats, cornbread, or coleslaw. They also make a delicious topping for hot dogs or burgers.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the beans slowly at a low temperature allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender, flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find slab bacon, you can use thick-cut bacon or smoked ham hocks instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Slab Bacon Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Slab Bacon Baked Beans in a rustic bean pot or a decorative serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Slab Bacon Baked Beans with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or BBQ ribs for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Slab Bacon 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 Slab Bacon Baked Beans contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Slab Bacon Baked Beans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Slab Bacon Baked Beans contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Slab Bacon Baked Beans contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Slab Bacon 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

Slab Bacon Baked Beans are a hearty and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fiber. They are a good source of essential nutrients and make a delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Slab Bacon Baked Beans are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich and savory flavor, tender beans, and smoky bacon, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, and savor the delicious flavors of this timeless recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Slab Bacon Baked Beans. It was a hot summer day and I had been invited to a potluck barbecue at my friend's house. As I mingled with the other guests, I couldn't help but notice the mouth-watering aroma coming from the grill. Curious, I made my way over to see what was cooking.

To my surprise, my friend's grandmother was busy preparing a large pot of baked beans with slab bacon. I had never seen this recipe before, and I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients. The beans were simmering away in a rich, savory sauce, and thin slices of crispy bacon were scattered throughout. I couldn't wait to try them.

As the potluck progressed, I found myself going back for seconds, then thirds, of those delicious baked beans. I simply couldn't get enough. I had to know the secret behind this mouthwatering dish. So, I mustered up the courage to approach my friend's grandmother and ask her for the recipe.

She smiled warmly at me and began to recount how she had learned to make the dish many years ago. It all started when she was just a young girl, living on a farm with her family. They raised pigs and grew their own vegetables, so they always had plenty of fresh ingredients on hand.

One summer, a distant relative came to visit and brought with him a recipe for baked beans with slab bacon. He had learned it from a friend who had traveled through the South and picked up the recipe along the way. My friend's grandmother was fascinated by the dish and asked her relative to show her how to make it.

Together, they spent an entire day in the kitchen, preparing the beans and simmering them slowly on the stove. The aroma that filled the farmhouse was intoxicating, and my friend's grandmother knew she had stumbled upon something truly special.

After that day, she made the recipe her own, tweaking it here and there to suit her family's tastes. Over the years, she had perfected the dish, adding her own personal touch to make it truly unique.

As she shared the recipe with me, I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions along the way. She explained how the key to the dish was the slab bacon, which added a smoky richness to the beans. She also emphasized the importance of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together over time.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I couldn't wait to try making the dish myself. I gathered the ingredients – beans, slab bacon, onions, brown sugar, and a few secret spices – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As the beans simmered on the stove, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma filling the air. I knew I was onto something special. When the dish was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported back to that summer day at the potluck barbecue. The flavors were rich and savory, with just the right amount of sweetness from the brown sugar.

From that day on, Slab Bacon Baked Beans became a staple in my own recipe collection. I shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me. And every time I make the dish, I think back to that moment of amazement when I first saw the recipe and knew I had discovered something truly special.