Savory New England Baked Kidney Beans in the Slow Cooker
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional New England baked beans with this easy slow cooker recipe. These kidney beans are slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing a rich blend of molasses and spices, creating a deliciously sweet and savory dish. Serve them alongside Boston Brown Bread for a quintessential New England meal that will impress family and friends alike. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Just remember to soak your beans overnight for the best results! Enjoy a meal that is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kidney Beans
2 lbs (cleaned and soaked overnight)
Sugar
1/2 cup
Molasses
2/3 cup
Dry Mustard
6 teaspoons
Salt
2 teaspoons
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Onion
1 large (cut in half or diced small)
Salt Pork
1/4 lb (cut into 1-inch chunks)
Boiling Water
4 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Rinse the dry kidney beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. In a large bowl, submerge the beans with 2 inches of cold water and let them soak in the refrigerator overnight.
2
Once soaked, drain and rinse the beans again under cold water.
3
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the soaked kidney beans with sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, pepper, onion (either cut in half or diced), and salt pork.
4
Pour 4 1/2 cups of boiling water over the mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it on high for 12 to 14 hours or low for 24 hours. The beans are done when they are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6
While cooking, check occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid, adding more boiling water if necessary to prevent the beans from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Savory New England Baked Kidney Beans?
The main ingredient is 2 lbs of dry kidney beans.
How long should I soak the kidney beans?
The kidney beans should be soaked in the refrigerator overnight.
What is the recommended method for soaking the beans?
Submerge the beans in a large bowl with 2 inches of cold water.
Should I rinse the kidney beans before soaking?
Yes, rinse the dry kidney beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris before soaking.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended.
How much sugar is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar.
How much molasses is used in the beans?
You will need 2/3 cup of molasses.
What kind of mustard is used for seasoning?
The recipe requires 6 teaspoons of dry mustard.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How should the onion be prepared for the slow cooker?
One large onion should be either cut in half or diced small.
How much salt pork is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of salt pork.
How should the salt pork be cut?
The salt pork should be cut into 1-inch chunks.
What type of water should be poured into the slow cooker?
You should add 4 1/2 cups of boiling water.
How long do the kidney beans cook on the high setting?
The beans cook for 12 to 14 hours on high.
How long do the kidney beans cook on the low setting?
The beans cook for 24 hours on the low setting.
How do I know when the beans are finished cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Should I stir the beans while they are in the slow cooker?
Yes, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What should I do if the beans look dry during the cooking process?
Add more boiling water if necessary to prevent the beans from drying out.
What is a traditional side dish for these baked beans?
These beans are traditionally served alongside Boston Brown Bread.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
The dish offers a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors from molasses and spices.
What must I do after the beans have finished soaking?
Once soaked, you must drain and rinse the beans again under cold water.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the dry kidney beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Why is it important to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking overnight is recommended for the best results and to ensure the beans cook properly.
Does this recipe require a specific type of bean?
The recipe specifically uses dry kidney beans.
What is the purpose of adding boiling water?
Boiling water is added to the slow cooker to help maintain the temperature and start the cooking process effectively.
Are these beans considered comfort food?
Yes, they are described as a heartwarming and quintessential New England comfort food.
Is the salt pork diced or kept whole?
The salt pork is cut into 1-inch chunks.
Can I cook these beans faster?
The fastest setting is the high setting, which still requires 12 to 14 hours for the beans to become tender.