In the realm of comfort foods, baked beans are one of those crowd pleasers that is easy to gravitate to both winter and summer.
Although they are not a trendy or exotic, they are just so darned good. And they make a great “party” food on a buffet table. Baked beans are a good side-kick to many other dishes and they can be made ahead.
This week, I’ve added a splash of bourbon to the following recipe to give a unique flavour to this all-time favourite dish.
I particularly enjoy serving baked beans with a smoked ham. Leftover beans are wonderful warmed up and served with buttered toast for lunch the next day.
This bean dish would be ideal addition to a superbowl buffet table.
Bourbon Baked Beans
(Serves 8)
1-1/2 lb. (750 g) white navy or great northern beans
8 cups (2L) water
1 cup (250 ml) of diced smoked bacon (preferably double smoked)
1 large onion, diced
4 tbsp. (50 ml) tomato paste
3 tbsp. (45 ml) molasses
2 tsp. (10 ml) hot dry mustard
1 c. (250 ml) catsup
1/2 c. (125 ml) bourbon
1 cup (250 ml) brown sugar
salt to taste
pepper to taste.
Bring the beans and water to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover and let sit for one hour. Drain.
3. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 4 inches. Bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the beans are almost cooked. Drain, reserving 3 to 4 cups (750 ml) of the cooking liquid.
4. In a large stovetop and ovenproof Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy.
5. Add the onion and cook until soft.
6. Stir in the tomato paste, molasses, mustard, catsup, bourbon and brown sugar.
7. Add the beans and 3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid.
8. Place in a 300F. (150C) oven for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. (If mixture becomes too dry, add more of the reserved liquid.).
9. Add salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve.
(Note if you are making the beans a day ahead, only cook for 2 hours for the initial cooking. The day you want to serve them, add a bit of the reserved liquid and bake for about another hour to hour and a half, watching that they don’t dry out)
