Boston Baked Beans
This hearty and comforting baked beans recipe features tender white beans combined with savory smoked pork belly, rich tomato puree, and a blend of sweet and tangy seasonings. The dish slowly cooks in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a deliciously satisfying meal. With each bite, you'll experience a perfect balance of textures and tastes that are sure to warm both your heart and your stomach.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 500g dried white beans (I used cannelini but white kidney or haricot beans would also work)
- 450g piece smoked pork belly (or smoked bacon or pancetta; you want it in one piece so you can cut nice chunks), cut into chunks, including the rind.
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cover the beans with plenty of cold water, leaving room for them to double in size. Leave to soak overnight. The next day, drain and rinse the beans.
- Place them in a large pan or heavy casserole dish if you have one (so you won't have to transfer the beans when you want to put them in the oven). Cover them with water. This needs to reach 2 inches above the top of the beans. Bring to the boil and boil hard for 10 minutes, skimming off the scum. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour.
- If using a saucepan, now transfer to an ovenproof casserole. Add all the other ingredients but NO salt at this point. Cover and cook for 3 hours. After this time, taste and season carefully with salt (the pork will be salty). Cook, uncovered for a further hour.
Yield
Serves 4
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