By Gabby Peyton
These classic baked beans have East Coast roots — the use of molasses versus maple syrup is a Maritime tradition stemming from New England, in particular Boston. They’re on the sweeter side, so those looking for a more savoury or tomatoey rendition will want to add 1 cup of ketchup.
Learn more about the history of Baked Beans in this article: Delicious Squared: The History of Baked Beans in Canada.
Molasses Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white navy beans
- 1/2 lb slab bacon diced into cubes
- 1 medium onion ends trimmed, peeled, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the dried beans into a Dutch oven with 6 cups (1.5 L) of water. Soak overnight.
- Drain and pour beans back into the pot with enough water to cover the beans by a couple of inches, cook for 30 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Drain beans, making sure to reserve cooking liquid, set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 325 °F (160 °C). While the oven is preheating, cook pork over medium-high heat in the Dutch Oven until fat is rendered and pork is beginning to brown, then add the onion cooking until tender.
- Add the beans back to the pot, along with molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard, salt and pepper and 3 cups (750 mL) of reserved bean water.
- Bake uncovered for 3 to 5 hours until the beans are tender, and the sauce has thickened, and the edges of the pot get sticky. (Note: if beans get dry, add another cup of water.)