Boston Bean Pot Recipe

Boston bean pot, often referred to as Boston baked beans, is a traditional New England dish made with navy beans slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s often associated with baked bean pots or crock pots.

Key Features of Boston Bean Pot:

• Ingredients: The dish typically includes navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, salt pork or bacon, and seasonings like mustard and onion.
• Slow Cooking: The beans are slow-cooked to develop a rich flavor and tender texture.
• Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a beloved comfort food.

Basic Recipe Overview

1. Soak the Beans: Soak dried navy beans overnight to soften them.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a pot, cook bacon or salt pork until crispy.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Combine molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and onion.
4. Combine: Mix the soaked beans with the sauce and bacon.
5. Bake: Cook slowly in a bean pot or Dutch oven, typically at a low temperature, for several hours.

Classic Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried navy beans
• 1/2 lb salt pork or bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• Water

Instructions:

1. Soak Beans: Rinse the beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain before cooking.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. Cook Salt Pork: In a skillet, cook the diced salt pork or bacon until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the soaked beans, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, chopped onion, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add Pork: Layer half of the bean mixture in a bean pot or Dutch oven. Add half of the cooked salt pork or bacon. Repeat with the remaining beans and pork.
6. Add Water: Pour enough water over the beans to cover them by about 1 inch.
7. Bake: Cover the pot and bake for 4-6 hours, checking periodically to ensure the beans are covered with liquid. Add more water if necessary.
8. Serve: Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a side dish or main dish.

Enjoy!

Boston baked beans are great served alongside cornbread or as part of a traditional New England feast. They can also be made ahead and reheated, as the flavors develop even further over time!