Sure, let’s dive into the delicious world of Boston-Style Baked Beans! ๐ฒ This classic recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors and hearty goodness. With a total preparation time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, including 5 hours of cooking time, it’s a labor of love that yields exceptional results.
Ingredients:
- 2 thick slab bacon
- 1/2 onion
- 1 cup blackstrap molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
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Preparation: In a saucepan, cover the beans with cold water and bring them to a boil. Let them boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat, cover the pot, and let them sit for 1 hour. After soaking, drain the beans well.
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Preheat: While the beans are soaking, preheat your oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC).
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Prepare Bacon: Score the bacon in squares without cutting through the rind, allowing the flavors to infuse throughout the beans as they cook.
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Layer Beans: Place half of the soaked beans in the pot in which you will bake them. Add the chopped onion, blackstrap molasses, mustard powder, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper for that signature flavor profile. Then, layer the remaining beans on top.
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Add Bacon: Bury the scored bacon rind side up in the top layer of beans. This will allow the bacon to slowly render its delicious fat into the beans as they cook, imparting a savory depth of flavor.
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Add Water: Pour just enough water over the beans to cover them, ensuring they remain moist and tender during the baking process.
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Bake: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the beans to bake for 4-6 hours, or until the pork fat has melted and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Keep Moist: Check on the beans occasionally and add boiling water as needed to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out during the long cooking process.
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Final Touch: During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the lid to allow a delicious brown crust to form on top of the beans, adding texture and visual appeal to the finished dish.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. These Boston-style baked beans are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, as a comforting side dish to your favorite meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 224.8
- Fat: 17.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7g
- Cholesterol: 25.7mg
- Sodium: 323.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.8g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 5.1g
Serving Suggestions:
- These Boston-style baked beans are a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a hearty vegetarian meal.
- For a classic New England feast, serve these beans with freshly baked cornbread, coleslaw, and steamed greens for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a convenient option for meal prep or enjoying as a quick and tasty snack throughout the week.
Conclusion:
With its rich, smoky flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beans, this Boston-style baked beans recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, cozying up by the fireplace on a chilly evening, or simply craving a taste of classic comfort food, these beans are the perfect choice for any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of New England tradition with every mouthwatering bite!
