recipes

Nostalgic French-Canadian Baked Beans

Average Rating
No rating yet
My Rating:

Old Time Baked Beans

Description

Old Time Baked Beans is a cherished recipe passed down from my French-Canadian mother. This dish is a hearty and flavorful blend of navy beans, vegetables, and rich seasonings, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a vegan dish or with added pork, weiners, or bacon strips for a meaty twist. It’s perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with fresh bread.

Recipe Information

  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Prep Time: 24 hours (including soaking beans overnight)
  • Total Time: 30 hours
  • Category: Beans
  • Keywords: Canadian, Vegan, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven
  • Servings: 8
  • Calories: 337.5 per serving

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Fat: 0.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 839.6mg
  • Carbohydrates: 74.9g
  • Fiber: 12.9g
  • Sugar: 40.7g
  • Protein: 10.3g

Ingredients

  • 2 cups navy beans
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 4 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 5 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Soak Beans: Begin by soaking the navy beans in water overnight. This is a crucial step as it helps to soften the beans and reduce the boiling time the next day. While soaking is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for best results.

  2. Boil Beans: The next day, drain the soaking water and rinse the beans. Transfer them to a large pot filled with fresh water. Boil the beans until they are tender but not mushy, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Drain the beans once they have reached the desired tenderness.

  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large heavy pot or crock (a 5-liter Corningware dish works well), combine the boiled beans with the chopped onions, celery, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  4. Add Water: Add enough water to the pot to cover the beans. This will ensure that the beans have enough liquid to cook in and absorb all the flavors.

  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot and bake the beans for about 6 hours. It’s important to check the beans periodically during baking to make sure they do not dry out. Add more water as necessary to keep them covered.

  6. Serve: Once the beans are fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. These beans can be enjoyed on their own, with fresh bread, or as a side dish to complement your meal. They also pair well with meats like pork or weiners, or you can place bacon strips on top for an added smoky flavor.

Variations and Tips

  • Meat Additions: You can add chunks of pork, sliced weiners, or strips of bacon to the beans before baking to enhance the flavor.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to your taste preference. For a less sweet version, reduce the quantities slightly.
  • Spices: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Bread: Serve these baked beans with freshly baked bread or rolls. The sweetness of the beans complements the savory bread wonderfully.
  • As a Side Dish: These beans make a great side dish for barbecue meals, roasts, or even alongside a hearty salad.
  • Potluck Favorite: Due to their hearty nature and appealing flavor, Old Time Baked Beans are perfect for potlucks and gatherings. They hold up well and can be made ahead of time.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 337.5 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0.9g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 839.6mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 74.9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 12.9g
    • Sugars: 40.7g
  • Protein: 10.3g

Historical and Cultural Background

Old Time Baked Beans have a rich cultural heritage, particularly in French-Canadian cuisine. Beans have been a staple food in Canada, especially in regions where farming was integral to daily life. This dish reflects a tradition of simple, wholesome cooking that relies on pantry staples and a slow cooking process to develop deep flavors. The use of molasses and brown sugar is characteristic of the sweet-savory balance found in many traditional recipes from this region.

Cooking Notes and Additional Tips

  • Soaking Alternatives: If you forget to soak the beans overnight, you can use a quick-soak method. Boil the beans in water for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.
  • Crock Pot Option: You can also make these baked beans in a slow cooker. After boiling the beans, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, add water to cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours, checking occasionally.
  • Storage: Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

FAQ

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans if you’re short on time. Skip the soaking and boiling steps, and proceed by combining the canned beans with the other ingredients and baking. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, and canned beans may not hold up as well during the long baking process.

What can I use if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup. These alternatives will give a similar sweetness and depth, although the flavor profile will vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, Old Time Baked Beans can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving. This can be especially convenient for potlucks or busy weeknight dinners.

Enjoy this classic and hearty dish, bringing a taste of traditional French-Canadian cooking to your table!

My Rating:

Loading spinner
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Back to top button
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x