Quicker Boston Baked Beans (Cook's Country)

By Foodiewife

I've always wanted to make Boston Baked Beans. Typically, the beans are slow-baked for hours. This recipe comes from the June/July 2011 issue of Cook's Country; using science, baking soda is used to quick soak and cook the beans (no overnight soaking is necessary). Total cooking time is 1 1/2 hours, so it's much quicker! The recipe was pretty much a success, except for two minor things-- I used a cast-iron Dutch oven and so I should have added more water to the beans. It was easily remedied by adding it at the very end. My family LOVED this recipe, but I have a personal preference for sweeter baked beans. I "doctored" my portion by adding extra brown sugar and some honey. It was perfect.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans (about 2 cups), picked over and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 6 ounces salt pork , rind removed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• 3 cups water
• 5 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 120mins
Adapted from foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

*Liquids evaporate faster in the oven in heavy cast-iron Dutch ovens than in lighter pots. If you're using a heavy pot, increase the water to 4 1/2 cups.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring 3 quarts water, beans, and baking soda to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer briskly for 20 minutes. Drain beans in colander. Rinse beans and pot.

Cook salt pork in now-empty pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes.

Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in water*, beans, sugar, 1/4 cup molasses, Worcestershire, 1 tablespoon mustard, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bring to boil. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until beans are nearly tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Remove lid and continue to bake until beans are completely tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon molasses and remaining 1 teaspoon mustard.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. (Beans can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.)

TASTING NOTES: I have a personal preference for more sweet, than savory, when I eat Boston Baked Beans. I added about 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup brown sugar to the baked beans. That did it for me!