Boston Baked Beans
These authentic Boston Baked Beans offer a deeply satisfying comfort food experience. The haricot beans become incredibly tender, soaking up a glossy sauce built from rich black treacle, tangy tomato juice, and aromatic onions. A hint of dry mustard adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness perfectly. This dish is best when made slowly, allowing the flavors to meld into a cohesive, hearty side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or a simple salad. Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or Sunday roasts.
Description
These authentic Boston Baked Beans offer a deeply satisfying comfort food experience. The haricot beans become incredibly tender, soaking up a glossy sauce built from rich black treacle, tangy tomato juice, and aromatic onions. A hint of dry mustard adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness perfectly. This dish is best when made slowly, allowing the flavors to meld into a cohesive, hearty side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or a simple salad. Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or Sunday roasts.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. (350 g) haricot beans
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons black treacle (or molasses)
- 1/4 pint (150 ml) tomato juice (or liquid from a can of tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 pint (275 ml) unsalted stock
Directions
- 1 Preheat the oven to 275°F (140°C).
- 2
Soak the haricot beans overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse. Place them in a pot of fresh water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the beans are almost tender, then drain again.- 3
Peel and slice the onion. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish over medium heat and fry the onion for about 5 minutes until softened.- 4
Add the par-cooked beans, dry mustard, treacle, tomato juice, tomato puree, brown sugar, and stock to the casserole. Stir well to combine.- 5
Bring the mixture up to a boil on the stovetop.- 6
Cover the casserole with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.NoteThese beans are lovely served with hunks of hot white wheat bread or garlic bread.
If you cannot find black treacle, dark molasses is an excellent substitute.
Ensure your brown sugar is the standard dark brown variety for the best flavor profile.
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