Bean-Hole Beans are a traditional New England dish, deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture. The name “bean-hole” refers to the method of cooking, which involves burying a pot of beans in a hole in the ground, where they are slow-cooked over a bed of coals. This method was commonly used by loggers and farmers who needed a hearty, nourishing meal that could be prepared with minimal effort while they worked. The result is a pot of beans that is rich in flavor, with a deep smokiness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. While the traditional method might be a bit of a challenge in modern kitchens, this recipe captures the essence of those classic bean-hole beans, delivering the same rich, smoky flavors using a slow cooker or a Dutch oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans or yellow-eye beans
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 cups water or enough to cover the beans
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking the dried beans in cold water overnight. This will help soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Prepare the Ingredients: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine the soaked beans, cooked bacon, onions, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, ginger, cloves, and ketchup if using. Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
- Cook the Beans:
- For Slow Cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the beans for 8-10 hours, or until they are tender and flavorful.
- For Dutch Oven: If using a Dutch oven, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Cover the Dutch oven and bake the beans for 6-8 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they remain covered with liquid.
- Finish the Dish: Once the beans are tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the beans hot, with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. These beans are perfect for a hearty meal on their own or as a side dish to barbecue, sausages, or grilled meats.
Enjoy the rich flavors and historical charm of these Bean-Hole Beans, a dish that truly embodies the spirit of New England cuisine.
