Certainly! Here’s the detailed recipe for Western Beans ‘N’ Franks, complete with instructions and tips to make this dish a savory delight.
Western Beans ‘N’ Franks Recipe
Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Great Northern beans | 1/2 pound |
| Pinto beans | 1/2 pound |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Onion, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Molasses | 1/3 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Dry mustard | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Ground cloves | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Orange, diced | 1 |
| Frankfurters (hot dogs) | 6-8 |
| Orange wedges, for garnish | As needed |
Instructions:
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Soak Beans: Start by soaking the Great Northern beans and pinto beans according to the package directions. This step helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time later on.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Cook Beans: After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Stir in the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Bacon: While the beans are simmering, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble into pieces. Reserve the bacon drippings.
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Saute Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a bean pot or a deep casserole dish, combine the cooked beans, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, ground cloves, orange zest, and diced orange.
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Bake Beans: Pour 1 1/2 cups of the reserved bean liquid (from cooking the beans) into the bean mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
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Bake First Stage: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Check occasionally and stir gently.
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Add Frankfurters: After the initial baking time, arrange the frankfurters (hot dogs) on top of the beans.
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Bake Second Stage: Return the dish, uncovered, to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the frankfurters are heated through and lightly browned on top. If the beans appear dry during this stage, add more reserved bean liquid as needed to maintain moisture.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with orange wedges for a fresh citrus touch.
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Serve: Serve the Western Beans ‘N’ Franks hot, straight from the oven, as a hearty main dish. The combination of tender beans, smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and citrusy orange flavors will surely delight your taste buds.
Tips for Success:
- Bean Soaking: Properly soaking the beans reduces cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
- Bacon Flavor: Cooking the bacon first adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Use the rendered bacon drippings for sautéing the onions for added depth.
- Moisture Management: Monitor the beans during baking and add reserved bean liquid if the dish appears dry. This helps maintain a creamy texture without becoming too thick.
- Garnish: Fresh orange wedges not only add a decorative touch but also provide a burst of citrusy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this comforting Western Beans ‘N’ Franks recipe, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its blend of hearty beans, savory bacon, and zesty orange notes makes it a memorable dish that’s both satisfying and delicious! 🍊
