Best 2 Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans Recipes
Craving for a hearty and flavorful dish that exudes a traditional New England charm? Look no further than Boston Baked Beans, a culinary delight that has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. These succulent beans, steeped in a sweet and tangy sauce, are elevated with the smoky essence of bacon and the aromatic embrace of molasses.
This versatile dish can be tailored to your unique preferences, with various recipes offering a range of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a classic version brimming with molasses and brown sugar, a tangy rendition infused with vinegar, or a smoky variation enhanced with bacon and ham, there's a Boston Baked Beans recipe to satisfy every palate.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic dish, tracing its origins from humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved comfort food. Discover the secrets behind perfectly cooked beans, ensuring they retain their plump texture while absorbing the delectable sauce.
From selecting the ideal beans to mastering the art of slow cooking, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge and techniques needed to create a pot of Boston Baked Beans that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the timeless allure of this New England classic.
SLOW COOKER "YOU'LL NEVER MISS THE BACON" VEGETARIAN BOSTON BAKED BEANS
No bacon necessary! This meatless Boston baked bean recipe makes a tender, tasty, barbecue-worthy side that the vegetarians and the vegans at the party can enjoy along with everyone else. But the meat-eaters will love 'em, too!
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 18h15m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Soak. Rinse the beans and sort through them, discarding any beans that look "off" or any foreign objects. Place beans in Crock Pot and cover with 3-4 inches of water. You can also add them to a pot or bowl; I just like to use my Crock Pot stoneware because in the end that's one less dish to clean. Cover and let soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Pour the soaked beans into a colander and rinse well. Rinse out the Crock Pot. Set soaked beans aside; you'll add them back to the Crock Pot in a minute.
- Assemble. Add onion, pepper, broth, molasses, brown sugar, olive oil, dry mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to Crock Pot. Mix until combined. Add back your soaked and drained beans and stir until combined. Add bay leaf.
- Cook. Cook on high for 8-10 hours or on low for 12-14 hours. Note: Slow Cookers can vary, so the first time you make this, you may want check on it periodically and see if you need more broth or water after the first few hours. But don't worry, your beans shouldn't turn to mush! The molasses helps to prevent that.
- Leftover beans keep up to three days refrigerated in an airtight container. They also freeze well.
SLOW-COOKER BOSTON BAKED BEANS
Steps:
- Soak beans in 6 cups water in a large saucepan, covered, overnight. Add baking soda to beans. Bring beans to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Skim off any foam. Drain and reserve liquid; transfer beans to a 4- to 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook salt pork, fat side down, in a large skillet over medium heat until fat renders, 10 minutes. Turn pork over, add onion, and cook until lightly browned, 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Transfer pork mixture to the slow cooker. Combine ¼ cup maple syrup, molasses, mustard, ginger, and cloves; stir into bean mixture. Add 2½ cups reserved cooking liquid to the slow cooker. (If you have less than 2½ cups, add enough hot water to make up the difference.) Cook beans until tender and creamy, on high setting, 5-6 hours or on low setting, 9-10 hours. Stir in remaining ¼ cup maple syrup and vinegar; season with salt and pepper
Tips:
- Choosing the best beans: Use dry navy beans or pea beans for authentic Boston baked beans. These beans hold their shape well during slow cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Soaking the beans: Soaking the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours helps reduce cooking time and makes them more digestible.
- Preparing the beans: After soaking, rinse the beans thoroughly and discard any broken or discolored ones.
- Choosing the right slow cooker: Use a slow cooker that is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
- Layering the ingredients: Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker in the order specified in the recipe. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the beans from scorching.
- Adding moisture: Add enough liquid to cover the beans completely. This can be a combination of water, broth, or a mixture of both.
- Spices and flavorings: Use a variety of spices and flavorings to enhance the taste of the beans. Common ingredients include molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking time: Cook the beans on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serving suggestions: Boston baked beans are traditionally served with pork or beef, but they can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course or side dish. Accompaniments like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked potatoes complement the beans well.
Conclusion:
Slow-cooker Boston baked beans are a classic American comfort food that is easy to make and packed with flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side dish, Boston baked beans are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a warm and comforting meal, give this slow-cooker recipe a try!
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