New England Baked Beans

New England Baked Beans are a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the New England region of the United States. This slow cooker recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to prepare these hearty and comforting beans. The combination of navy beans, ham, brown sugar, and maple syrup creates a rich and sweet flavor profile that is distinctive to New England cuisine.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (455 g) dried navy beans
• ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion
• ½ pound (225 g) ham
• ½ cup (115 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (160 g) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

PREPARATION:

1. Start by covering the dried navy beans with water in a large pot. Bring the beans to a boil and let them boil for 10 minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat and let the beans stand in the hot water for 2 hours. This process helps to soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
2. After the beans have soaked, drain them and transfer them to a slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion, ham (cut into pieces), packed brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and dry mustard to the slow cooker with the beans. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Pour 1 cup (235 ml) of water into the slow cooker and give it a final stir.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook the beans on low heat for 10 to 12 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.
6. If you prefer thicker beans, you can uncover the slow cooker and switch it to high heat during the last hour of cooking. This helps to reduce the liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
7. Once the New England Baked Beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add additional salt or maple syrup according to your preference.

YIELD: 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 71 g water
• 236 calories (11% from fat, 18% from protein, 71% from carbs)
• 11 g protein
• 3 g total fat
• 1 g saturated fat
• 1 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 43 g carbs
• 6 g fiber
• 26 g sugar
• 151 mg phosphorus
• 69 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 605 mg sodium
• 425 mg potassium
• 1 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 1 mg vitamin C
• 12 mg cholesterol

New England Baked Beans are a beloved and iconic dish in the New England region of the United States. This slow cooker recipe allows you to easily recreate the flavors of this traditional dish in your own kitchen. With the combination of navy beans, ham, brown sugar, and maple syrup, these beans have a sweet and savory flavor profile that is uniquely New England.

By soaking the navy beans before cooking, you ensure that they become tender and cook evenly. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal or a gathering with family and friends.

The addition of chopped onion, ham, brown sugar, and maple syrup enhances the flavor of the beans, providing a rich and satisfying taste. The sweetness from the brown sugar and maple syrup complements the savory notes of the ham and creates a well-balanced dish that is enjoyed by all.

The long cooking time of 10 to 12 hours allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become soft and creamy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can uncover the slow cooker and switch it to high heat during the last hour of cooking to reduce the liquid and achieve a more concentrated flavor.

New England Baked Beans are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Navy beans, in particular, are known for their high fiber content, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for a family meal or for leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week. The beans can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop even further. They can also be frozen in individual portions for future enjoyment.

When serving New England Baked Beans, they can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cornbread. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful meal that is sure to be enjoyed by all.

In conclusion, New England Baked Beans are a classic dish that showcases the flavors of the New England region. With their sweet and savory taste, tender navy beans, and flavorful ham, these slow cooker beans are a true comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of New England, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of New England Baked Beans and savor a traditional dish that has stood the test of time.