Imagine a dish that captures the essence of New England comfort food, where slow-cooked beans transform into a creamy, rich masterpiece that will transport you straight to a cozy Vermont farmhouse kitchen. These Vermont Baked Beans with Ham are not just a side dish—they're a culinary experience that combines generations of traditional cooking with irresistible flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 1/2 pound ham, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried navy beans, removing any stones or damaged beans.
- Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow beans to soak overnight, approximately 8-10 hours at room temperature.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly under cool running water.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed bean pot, combine the soaked beans, diced ham, and chopped onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the molasses mixture over the beans and ham, then add 4 cups of water, ensuring all ingredients are well-covered.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 4 hours, checking periodically to ensure beans remain moist. Add additional water if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Stir the beans gently every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- The beans are done when they are tender, creamy, and have a deep, rich color.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot as a hearty side dish or main course, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always sort and rinse your dried beans carefully to remove any stones or imperfect beans.
- Soaking beans overnight is crucial—it reduces cooking time and helps create a creamier texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or bean pot for even heat distribution.
- Don't rush the cooking process; slow and low is the secret to tender, flavorful beans.
- Check moisture levels periodically and add water if the beans look dry to prevent burning.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using a smoky ham or adding a slice of bacon.
- Let the beans rest after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
