Nova Scotia Comfort Baked Beans
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional Nova Scotia with this luscious baked beans recipe. Packed with savory salt pork, sweet molasses, and a hint of mustard, this dish is the perfect embodiment of comfort food. Ideal for family gatherings and chilly evenings, serve these beans alongside warm brown bread and rich butter for a truly nostalgic meal. Made from simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe has been lovingly prepared in homes across generations and is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow-eyed beans
2 lbs (soaked overnight, picked over)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (for cooking beans)
Onion
1 medium (quartered)
Salt pork
1/2 lb (cut into pieces)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Molasses
1/2 cup
Dry mustard
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Boiling water
Approximately 2-3 cups (as needed)
Instructions
1
The night before cooking, soak the yellow-eyed beans in a large pot, covered with cold water, and allow to sit overnight.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and carefully inspect them, picking out any bad beans or debris.
3
Transfer the beans back into a pot, cover with fresh cold water, and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook until the beans' skins crack easily (usually about 30 minutes).
5
While the beans are cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
6
Take a casserole dish or bean crock and place the quartered onion at the bottom.
7
Once the beans are partially cooked, layer them on top of the onion in the baking dish.
8
Position the cut salt pork on top of the beans. Use only the lean meat if you prefer less fat.
9
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, and salt with 1 1/2 cups of boiling water, then pour this mixture over the beans.
10
Add more boiling water so that it covers the beans just to the surface. If needed, additional boiling water can be added during the baking process.
11
Cover the baking dish with a lid or heavy foil, and bake in the preheated oven for about 6 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nova Scotia Comfort Baked Beans?
This is a traditional hearty dish from Nova Scotia featuring yellow-eyed beans, salt pork, and molasses, perfect for family gatherings.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of yellow-eyed beans.
How long should the beans be soaked?
The beans should be soaked in cold water overnight before cooking.
What should I do after soaking the beans?
Drain the beans and carefully inspect them, removing any bad beans or debris.
Why is baking soda added to the beans?
One teaspoon of baking soda is added to the fresh boiling water to help the bean skins crack more easily.
How long do the beans boil before baking?
The beans are boiled for approximately 30 minutes or until the skins crack easily.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Where does the onion go in the baking dish?
Place one medium quartered onion at the bottom of the casserole dish or bean crock.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer the partially cooked beans over the onion and then position the cut salt pork on top.
Can I reduce the fat in this recipe?
Yes, you can choose to use only the lean meat of the salt pork if you prefer a lower fat content.
What ingredients are in the bean sauce?
The sauce consists of brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and boiling water.
How much molasses is needed?
This recipe requires 1/2 cup of molasses.
How much brown sugar should I use?
You will need 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the amount of dry mustard required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry mustard.
How much boiling water is mixed into the sauce?
Mix 1 1/2 cups of boiling water with the dry ingredients and molasses before pouring over the beans.
How much total water should be in the baking dish?
Add enough boiling water so that it covers the beans just to the surface.
Can I add more water during the baking process?
Yes, additional boiling water can be added during baking if the beans start to look dry.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or heavy foil while baking.
How long does the baking process take?
The beans should bake for about 6 hours until they are tender.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe provides 4 to 6 servings.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
While the original recipe uses salt pork, you can omit it or use a meat alternative to make it vegetarian-friendly.
What are the best side dishes for these beans?
Serve these beans alongside warm brown bread and rich butter for a nostalgic meal.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish is savory and sweet with a hint of mustard and a deep molasses flavor.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The medium onion should be quartered before being placed in the dish.
How much salt pork is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of salt pork cut into pieces.
What is the purpose of the initial soak?
Soaking overnight softens the dried yellow-eyed beans to ensure even cooking.
Can I use a bean crock?
Yes, a traditional bean crock is ideal for this slow-baking method.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming comfort food ideal for chilly evenings.
How do I know the beans are done boiling?
They are ready for the oven once the skins crack easily, usually after 30 minutes of boiling.