Madam Russell Baked Beans

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
Slow-baked white pea beans with molasses, mustard, and savory salt pork
Madam Russell Baked Beans recipe image

Madam Russell Baked Beans

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 371.0

Description

These Madam Russell Baked Beans are a hearty, soul-warming classic that delivers deep, savory-sweet flavors. White pea beans are slowly simmered and then baked for hours with rich molasses, tangy dry mustard, and crispy bits of salt pork. The result is a tender, glossy bean dish with a complex taste profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner, a potluck contribution, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings home-style comfort to your table. The long baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Pick over the dried white pea beans to remove any debris, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
  2. Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them stand overnight to soak.
  3. Drain the soaked beans and combine them with the diced onion in a large saucepan.
  4. Add fresh water to the saucepan to cover the beans by about an inch.
  5. Heat the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the bean skins burst easily when blown on with a spoon.
  6. Drain the beans, saving the cooking liquid in a small bowl.
  7. Measure 1 cup of the reserved bean cooking liquid and combine it in a bowl with the molasses, dry mustard, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until well blended.
  8. Preheat oven to 300&# 194;°F (150ðC).
  9. Layer half of the diced salt pork into the bottom of an 8-cup baking dish or bean pot.
  10. Add all of the par-cooked beans on top of the pork layer.
  11. Pour the molasses mixture evenly over the beans.
  12. Add just enough of the reserved bean liquid to cover the beans completely.
  13. Top with the remaining diced salt pork, pressing it down slightly into the liquid.
  14. Cover the dish and bake at 300ðF (149ðC) for 4 hours.
  15. After 2 hours of baking, check the beans. If they appear dry, add a splash of the reserved bean liquid to keep them moist.
  16. Uncover the dish and bake for 1 additional hour, or until the beans are deep brown, tender, and have reached your preferred consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 371.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.4g7%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 22.7mg8%
Sodium 4914.3mg205%
Total Carbohydrate 75.9g26%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 42.8g
Protein 11.1g23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These beans reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and add a tablespoon of olive oil or bacon substitute for flavor. You can also use navy beans or great northern beans in place of white pea beans, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Tips: The flavor of these beans improves after sitting, so making them a day ahead is recommended. Adjust the amount of brown sugar or molasses to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more savory profile.

Keywords: baked beans, white pea beans, molasses, mustard, salt pork, slow cooked, comfort food, vegetarian option, hearty main, traditional recipe, bean casserole, molasses glaze, protein rich, family dinner, potluck dish, slow baked, onion, dried beans, savory sweet, classic American
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