Rustic Earth-Baked Bean-Hole Beans

Baked Beans Traditional Bean-Hole Beans Recipe

Overview:

Experience the authentic taste of lumbermen’s Bean-Hole Beans, a hearty dish traditionally baked overnight in the earth. This recipe, originating from the local Patten Lumberman’s Museum, is a cherished staple served alongside biscuits, coleslaw, and molasses cookies or gingerbread during their annual August event.

• Preparation Time: 9 hours
• Cooking Time: 10 hours
• Total Time: 19 hours
• Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds yellow-eye beans, soaked overnight
• 1 pound salt pork, sliced
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 – 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Boiling water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Garlic Infused Green Bell Pepper Rings: Quick & Easy Stovetop Recipe
   • 
     Zesty Tex Mex Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Salsa
   • 
     Homemade Delights: Irresistible Lady Fingers Recipe
   • 
     Savory Swiss Roll: Quick & Easy Stromboli Recipe 🥖🧀
   • Rinse and soak 2 pounds of yellow-eye beans overnight.

2. Parboil the Beans:

   • Parboil the soaked beans until the skins start to peel away when blown on gently.

3. Prepare the Mixture:

   • In a bowl, mix together molasses, dry mustard, prepared mustard, chopped onion, and salt to taste.

4. Layer with Salt Pork:

   • Cut the salt pork into sections and score each section in a criss-cross pattern.
   • Place the salt pork pieces on top of the parboiled beans.

5. Prepare the Bean Hole:

   • Dig a hole in the ground, making it slightly larger than your Dutch oven or any tightly lidded pot you are using.
   • Use seasoned hardwood to create live coals until the hole is 3/4 full.

6. Set Up the Cooking Environment:

   • Remove some coals, leaving about 3 inches at the bottom of the hole.
   • Place your Dutch oven or pot with the bean mixture on top of the bed of coals.

7. Cooking Process:

   • Pile the remaining coals around and on top of the pot.
   • Cover the pot with its lid and then cover with dirt to seal.

8. Bake in the Earth:

   • Leave the pot buried in the ground for 8 hours or overnight.
   • Ensure no steam is escaping; if it does, add more dirt to seal the hole.

9. Serve Hot:

   • Before placing the pot in the ground, ensure the beans are covered with enough boiling water.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy these hearty Bean-Hole Beans hot, served traditionally with biscuits, coleslaw, and molasses cookies or gingerbread for a complete meal reminiscent of lumbermen’s feasts. This recipe brings the rustic charm of outdoor cooking right to your table!

This recipe captures the essence of traditional cooking methods, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying a taste of history in your own backyard.