Get ready to transport your taste buds to a delicious journey through culinary nostalgia! Old Settlers Beans are more than just a side dish – they're a mouthwatering slice of American home cooking history that will have your family begging for seconds. Passed down through generations, this simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe combines the rustic charm of slow-cooked beans with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy seasonings that will make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans (any variety)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or damaged beans.
- Place beans in a large pot and cover with water, ensuring beans are submerged by at least 2 inches of water. Let beans soak overnight or for 8-12 hours at room temperature.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again to remove any excess starch.
- In the same large pot, combine soaked beans with fresh water, covering beans by about 1 inch.
- Add chopped onion to the pot with the beans.
- Bring the bean mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for approximately 1-
- 5 hours or until beans are tender.
- Once beans are soft, drain excess water, leaving just a small amount of liquid in the pot.
- Stir in brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard, mixing thoroughly to coat the beans evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Remove from heat and let beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to further set.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main course, garnishing with additional fresh chopped onions if desired.
Tips
- Bean Selection: While the recipe works with any dried beans, pinto or navy beans work best for authentic flavor and texture.
- Soaking is Crucial: Never skip the overnight soaking process – this helps reduce cooking time and makes beans more digestible.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Patience is essential. Simmer the beans gently to ensure they become tender without falling apart.
- Flavor Balancing: Taste and adjust the brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard ratio to suit your personal preference.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare them in advance.
- Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
