Grandma Brown’s baked beans are an absolute classic. With their rich flavor and comforting aroma, these beans have been a favorite for generations.
In this blog post, we will explore why this recipe works so well, delve into its taste profile, highlight what sets it apart from other variations, provide step-by-step instructions, offer useful tips, and suggest delightful sides to serve alongside. So, let’s dive into the world of Grandma Brown’s baked beans!
Why This Recipe Works:
1. Slow Cooking Magic: Grandma Brown’s recipe calls for slow cooking the navy beans, allowing them to absorb all the flavors from the other ingredients. This slow and steady process results in tender and perfectly cooked beans.
2. Baking Soda Tenderizing Trick: Adding baking soda to the cooking water helps soften the beans faster, reducing the overall cooking time required.
3. Perfectly Balanced Seasoning: A combination of salt, brown sugar, and cooked ham (or bacon) provides the ultimate balance of sweet and savory flavors. These ingredients complement each other, creating a taste sensation that is hard to resist.
4. Aromatic Allure: The addition of chopped onion and a bay leaf adds depth and enhances the overall aroma of the dish. Grandma Brown knew that the secret to exceptional baked beans relies on well-chosen aromatics.
How Does It Taste Like?
Grandma Brown’s baked beans are the epitome of comfort food. The taste is a harmonious blend of sweetness from the brown sugar and layers of savory notes from the cooked ham or bacon.
The beans themselves are perfectly tender and infused with the rich flavors of the seasoning. Each bite is a warm invitation to indulge in a classic dish that evokes fond memories of home and family gatherings.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Variations?
While Grandma Brown’s baked beans recipe may share similarities with other versions, a few key elements set it apart:
1. Tried and True Tradition: This recipe has been perfected through generations, ensuring a time-tested and foolproof result every time.
2. Decades of Flavor Evolution: Over the years, many families have put their own twist on Grandma Brown’s recipe, creating slightly different variations that have been passed down through generations. Each variation offers a unique taste experience.
3. Attention to Detail: Grandma Brown’s recipe pays attention to every little detail, from the choice of ingredients to the technique used. This level of commitment to perfection guarantees exceptional results.
4. Adaptability: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking to add more smokiness with bacon or make it vegetarian-friendly by omitting the meat, Grandma Brown’s baked beans can accommodate various needs.
Descriptive Ingredients:
- Beans: Beans are the main ingredient in baked beans recipes, providing a hearty and nutritious base. They offer a good source of protein, fiber, and various nutrients. In Grandma Brown’s baked beans recipe, the beans, likely navy beans, become tender and creamy when cooked, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients and forming the bulk of the dish.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is used in the initial soaking of dried beans, such as navy beans, before cooking. It helps to soften the beans and reduce their cooking time by breaking down some of the complex sugars that can make beans tough. This step ensures that the beans cook evenly and become tender without overcooking.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the baked beans, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and adding depth to the dish. It also helps to season the beans and bring out their natural taste. Salt is a crucial component in enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Cooked ham: Cooked ham adds savory flavor and meatiness to the baked beans. It complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and adds richness to the dish. Ham also provides protein, making the baked beans more satisfying as a main dish or side. The ham infuses the beans with its flavor during the cooking process, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar is a key ingredient in baked beans recipes, providing sweetness and depth of flavor. It caramelizes during baking, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the beans. Brown sugar also balances the acidity of the tomatoes or vinegar often used in baked bean recipes. Its sweetness adds complexity and richness to the dish.
- Small onion: Small onion adds aromatic flavor to the baked beans, enhancing their overall taste. Onions become sweet and tender when cooked, adding depth and complexity to the dish. They also provide texture and visual appeal to the baked beans. The onion contributes to the savory-sweet balance of flavors in the dish.
- Bay leaf: Bay leaf adds a subtle herbal flavor and aroma to the baked beans. It infuses the dish with a hint of earthiness and depth, complementing the other ingredients. Bay leaf is often used to flavor slow-cooked dishes like baked beans, where its flavor can develop over time. It adds a subtle but essential layer of complexity to the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
– Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
– Place the beans in a large pot with enough water to cover them by a few inches.
– Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about an hour. This helps soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beans
– After the soaking time, drain and rinse the beans again.
– Return the beans to the pot and add fresh water to cover them.
– Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
– Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the beans cook for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until they are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Flavorful Assembly
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
– Drain the cooked beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
– Transfer the beans to a baking dish.
– Add the chopped cooked ham (or bacon), brown sugar, chopped onion, salt, and bay leaf to the dish.
– Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
– Add some of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten the beans slightly. Be careful not to make them too soupy.
Step 4: Baking Time
– Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
– Bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the flavors meld together and the beans have a thick, rich sauce.
Notes:
– Soaking the beans and using baking soda helps reduce their cooking time.
– Draining and rinsing the beans after soaking removes any excess starch.
– Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
– For added smokiness, you can use bacon instead of ham.
– Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Per serving (1/4th of the recipe):
– Calories: 238
– Fat: 0 g
– Carbohydrates:40 g
– Protein: 16 g
– Fiber: 0 g
– Sugar:3 g
– Sodium: 0 mg
How Do You Store This Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans?
Once cooled, transfer the baked beans to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days.
Sides For Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans:
1. Cornbread: The sweet and savory combination of Grandma Brown’s baked beans pairs perfectly with a slice of fluffy cornbread. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a delightful balance.
2. Grilled Sausages: Serve your beans alongside some juicy grilled sausages. The smoky goodness of the sausages complements the rich flavors of the baked beans, making for an irresistible combination.
3. Coleslaw: The crisp and refreshing nature of coleslaw provides a fantastic contrast to the warm and savory baked beans. The combination of textures and flavors adds a refreshing element to the meal.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
1. Navy Bean Alternatives: If you don’t have navy beans, you can use other white beans such as great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even soaked and cooked dried lima beans.
2. Baking Soda Substitute: If you don’t have baking soda, you can omit it. However, keep in mind that the beans may take longer to cook without this tenderizing agent.
3. Cooked Ham or Bacon Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether and add a touch of smoked paprika to enhance the smokiness. You can also try substituting with cooked turkey bacon or smoked tofu for a different twist.
4. Brown Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce sugar or prefer an alternative sweetener, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Adjust the amount to taste.
Grandma browns baked beans recipe
Equipment
- large pot
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 small onion chopped
- ½ lb. beans
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 oz. cooked ham chopped (or bacon)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- – Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
- – Place the beans in a large pot with enough water to cover them by a few inches.
- – Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for about an hour. This helps soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beans
- – After the soaking time, drain and rinse the beans again.
- – Return the beans to the pot and add fresh water to cover them.
- – Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- – Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the beans cook for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until they are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Flavorful Assembly
- – Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- – Drain the cooked beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- – Transfer the beans to a baking dish.
- – Add the chopped cooked ham (or bacon), brown sugar, chopped onion, salt, and bay leaf to the dish.
- – Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- – Add some of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten the beans slightly. Be careful not to make them too soupy.
Step 4: Baking Time
- – Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- – Bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the flavors meld together and the beans have a thick, rich sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried navy beans?
A1: While you can use canned navy beans, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Canned beans are already cooked, so the slow cooking process won’t be necessary. Adjust the cooking time and flavors accordingly.
Q2: Can I freeze Grandma Brown’s baked beans?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Q3: Can I substitute the onion with another vegetable?
A3: Yes, if you’re not a fan of onions, you can substitute them with diced bell peppers or celery for added crunch and flavor.
Q4: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A4: Absolutely! After slow-cooking the beans on the stovetop, transfer them to a slow cooker, mix in the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Conclusion:
Grandma Brown’s baked beans are a beloved classic that continue to captivate generations with their exceptional flavor and comforting qualities.
This well-researched and detailed article has explored why this recipe works so well, described its delectable taste, highlighted what makes it unique, provided a step-by-step guide, and offered useful tips, nutrition information, storage advice, and impeccable serving suggestions.
With Grandma Brown’s baked beans in your culinary repertoire, you’ll have a delicious and versatile dish that will bring joy to family gatherings and cozy nights at home.