Classic Tomatoey Boston Baked Beans
This cherished recipe for Boston Baked Beans, a beloved staple in New England cuisine, brings together a harmonious blend of flavors that warms the heart and soul. Adapted slightly over the years to enhance its tomato-rich goodness, this dish is truly a family classic that has been lovingly prepared since 1991. The combination of tender white pea beans, savory bacon, and a tangy sweet sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Serve it alongside cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
195
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
white pea beans
1 lb (rinsed and soaked overnight)
medium onions
2 (sliced)
molasses
1/4 cup (none)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
ketchup
1/2 cup (to be added near the end of cooking)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes)
hot water
4 cups (heated)
bacon
2 slices (chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the white pea beans thoroughly, discarding any discolored ones. Place the beans in a large saucepan and soak them overnight in enough water to cover by at least 2 inches. The next day, drain the beans.
2
In the same saucepan, add fresh water to cover the beans, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Once cooked, drain the beans again.
3
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the sliced onions evenly on the bottom of a bean pot or 8-cup casserole dish.
4
Layer the drained beans over the onions, ensuring an even distribution.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, dry mustard, black pepper (or hot pepper flakes), and 4 cups of hot water. Stir until well combined.
6
Pour the mixture over the beans and onions, then top with the chopped bacon.
7
Cover the pot or casserole tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 6 hours.
8
After 6 hours, carefully uncover the dish. Add approximately 1/2 cup of ketchup and stir gently to combine. If the beans appear too dry, add a bit more hot water.
9
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional hour to allow flavors to meld and the beans to become beautifully caramelized.
Nutrition Information
5.6g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Tomatoey Boston Baked Beans?
It is a cherished New England staple made with white pea beans, savory bacon, and a tangy sweet tomato-rich sauce.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls specifically for 1 lb of white pea beans.
How long should the beans be soaked?
The beans should be soaked overnight in enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches.
What is the first cooking step after soaking?
After draining the soaking water, add fresh water, bring to a boil, and simmer the beans for 30 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C) for slow baking.
How many onions are needed and how are they prepared?
You will need 2 medium onions, which should be sliced and spread on the bottom of the pot.
What size dish should be used for baking?
An 8-cup casserole dish or a bean pot is ideal for this recipe.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of molasses, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and hot water.
How much molasses is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of molasses.
Can I substitute the black pepper for something spicier?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes instead of black pepper.
How much bacon is included in the dish?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of bacon, chopped.
How long do the beans bake initially?
The beans are baked covered for 6 hours.
When should the ketchup be added?
Add 1/2 cup of ketchup after the initial 6 hours of baking is complete.
What is the final baking step?
After adding ketchup, return the dish to the oven uncovered for one additional hour.
Why is the dish baked uncovered for the final hour?
This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to become beautifully caramelized.
What should I do if the beans look dry after 6 hours?
You can add a bit more hot water when you stir in the ketchup if the beans appear too dry.
What are the calorie counts for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 5.6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of these beans?
Each serving provides 7.3g of protein.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar.
Is there vinegar in the sauce?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
How much dry mustard should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard for this recipe.
How much hot water is needed for the liquid base?
You will need 4 cups of hot water to mix with the sauce ingredients.
What side dishes pair well with these beans?
It is recommended to serve them with cornbread or a simple green salad.
What is the origin of this cuisine?
This dish is a classic example of New England and Boston-style cuisine.
How long has this specific recipe been used?
This family classic has been prepared since 1991.
Are the beans rinsed before soaking?
Yes, rinse the white pea beans thoroughly and discard any discolored ones before soaking.
What is the general flavor profile?
The dish is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors with a tomato-rich base.