Texas Baked Beans

Texas Baked Beans Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Texas Baked Beans are a classic dish that combines hearty beans with a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy winter meal.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Native American and Colonial times, when beans were cooked slowly in pots over an open flame. The addition of ingredients like bacon, tomatoes, and spices came later, adding depth and flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried anasazi or pinto beans
water
1 cup chopped slab bacon
2 cups each, rough cut onions and bell peppers
2 jalapeno chili peppers, finely chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz (411 g) each) diced tomatoes
1 cup chopped beef jerky (homemade or store bought), or smoked beef
1 cup catsup
0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
0.25 cup each molasses and honey
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dry mustard
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp ground ginger

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, approximately 6 cups.
Bring the pot to a boil and let the beans simmer for 45 minutes.
Drain the beans, but make sure to reserve the cooking liquid.
In a large kettle, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp.
Add the onion and peppers to the kettle, and cook and stir until they become tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add the beans, 2 cups of the reserved bean cooking liquid, tomatoes, beef jerky, catsup, molasses, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard to the kettle.
Stir everything together to mix the ingredients well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the kettle, and let it cook at a slow boil for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Stir in the apple sauce and ginger.
Pour the mixture into a large bean pot and bake it in a 350°F (177°C) oven, uncovered, for 1.5 hours.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.
Substitute ground beef for the beef jerky for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Cooking the bacon until crisp adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

- Adding beef jerky gives the beans a savory and meaty taste.

- Baking the beans in the oven helps to meld the flavors together and create a thick and rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Baked Beans are delicious on their own, but can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats, cornbread, or coleslaw.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time.

- Cooking the bacon until crisp adds flavor to the dish.

- Baking the beans in the oven helps to meld the flavors together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup instead of honey.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for Worcestershire sauce.

- Use ground cumin instead of dry mustard.

Make Ahead Tips

Texas Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Texas Baked Beans pair well with grilled meats, cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad. Serve with a cold beer or iced tea for a classic barbecue meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Texas Baked Beans 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

Each serving of Texas Baked Beans contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Texas Baked Beans contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Texas Baked Beans contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Texas Baked Beans contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Texas Baked Beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (from Worcestershire sauce) and may contain gluten (from Worcestershire sauce and beef jerky).

Summary

Texas Baked Beans are a nutritious and hearty dish that is high in protein and fiber. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may contain allergens such as soy and gluten.

Summary

Texas Baked Beans are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich and flavorful sauce, tender beans, and savory meat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic dish at your next barbecue or family gathering!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Texas Baked Beans. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Marfa, Texas. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner for the family.

As I stood by her side, she began to gather the ingredients for the baked beans dish. I watched in awe as she expertly chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, all while regaling me with stories of her own grandmother's cooking adventures. She told me about the different recipes she had learned from her over the years, and how each one held a special place in her heart.

As she stirred the beans in the pot, the aroma of smoked bacon and molasses filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I asked her where she had learned to make such delicious baked beans, and she smiled knowingly before launching into a tale of her own culinary journey.

She told me that she had first tasted this particular recipe for Texas Baked Beans at a family reunion many years ago. The beans had been cooked low and slow over an open fire, with just the right amount of seasoning and spice to give them a kick. She had been so impressed by the dish that she begged the chef for the recipe, and he had graciously shared it with her.

From that day on, my grandmother had made it her mission to perfect the recipe for Texas Baked Beans. She experimented with different ingredients and cooking methods, always striving to capture the flavors of that unforgettable dish she had tasted so long ago. And now, she was passing that knowledge on to me, her eager young apprentice.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal she had prepared, I savored each bite of the rich and savory baked beans. The flavors were complex and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on my tongue. I knew then that this recipe would become a treasured family tradition, one that I would pass down to future generations just as my grandmother had done for me.

In the years that followed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, the recipe for Texas Baked Beans always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of my grandmother's love and dedication to her craft, and a testament to the power of good food to bring people together.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Texas Baked Beans for my own family now, I do so with a sense of pride and gratitude. I am grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me, both in the kitchen and in life, and for the memories we shared over a steaming pot of beans on that fateful day so long ago. The recipe may have come from a distant relative or a passing acquaintance, but the love and tradition behind it are all my own. And that is what makes it truly special.