**Baked Beans: A Comforting Dish with Endless Variations**
Baked beans, a culinary delight enjoyed worldwide, offer a symphony of flavors and textures that warm the soul. This versatile dish, steeped in history and tradition, has inspired countless variations, each reflecting the unique culinary heritage of different regions. From the classic American version, brimming with smoky bacon and molasses, to the hearty English rendition, enriched with tangy tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, baked beans have captivated taste buds across generations. This article presents a tantalizing collection of baked bean recipes, each a testament to the boundless creativity of home cooks and professional chefs alike. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore these delectable variations, sure to satisfy every palate and occasion.
CLASSIC BOSTON BAKED BEANS
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soak beans in cold water to cover overnight in a large bowl. Drain in a colander.
- Heat oven to 300 degrees. Arrange onions in the bottom of a bean pot or Dutch oven. Top, working in order, beginning with tomatoes, and continuing with bay leaves, dry mustard, cloves, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. Add soaked beans and pour over molasses. Top evenly with salt pork. Add 5 cups water and cover.
- Transfer to oven and bake, without stirring, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened, about 6 hours. Check the beans every 45 minutes, adding hot water, if necessary, to keep beans slightly soupy at all times. Remove from oven, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary, before serving.
BOSTON BAKED BEANS
Many hours of cooking over low heat brings complexity to the flavor of baked beans. Some home cooks shy away from baking beans, wary of the long cooking time, but the amount of actual labor involved is minimal.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soak the beans in cold water overnight in a large container. Drain in a colander.
- Heat oven to 300 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine molasses, mustard, brown sugar, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil, and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Stud the onion halves with the cloves, and place in the bottom of a terra-cotta bean pot or Dutch oven.
- Score the salt pork 1/4 inch deep 1 inch apart, and slice into two even pieces. Transfer to the bean pot. Add the soaked beans. Pour the molasses mixture over beans, stir, and cover. The liquid should cover the beans by 1/2 inch. Add more water if necessary.
- Transfer to oven to bake, without stirring, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened, about 6 hours. Check the beans every 45 minutes, adding more hot water if necessary to keep beans slightly soupy at all times. For the last 50 to 60 minutes of cooking, uncover beans, and, using tongs or a long fork, pull the pork to the surface. Remove from oven, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve.
Tips:
- Soak the beans overnight: This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time.
- Use a variety of beans: This will give your dish a more complex flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the beans: They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Use a good quality bacon: The bacon is one of the key flavor components in this dish, so don't skimp on it.
- Add some brown sugar: This will help to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and give the dish a slightly sweet flavor.
- Use a slow cooker: This is a great way to make baked beans if you're short on time. Just throw all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Conclusion:
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. They're easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, there's a baked bean recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give baked beans a try. You won't be disappointed.
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