Maple Baked Pork and Beans
This traditional dish is an icon of the gastronomy of the northern United States, particularly in New England, where "baked beans" have been celebrated for centuries. Its origin dates back to Native American cultures who prepared beans slowly cooked with corn and animal fats, a tradition that was later adopted and adapted by European settlers. In different Latin American countries, this type of dish can be found with local variations: in Mexico they are known as "frijoles charros," in Argentina and Uruguay similar stews are prepared with pork, although they usually do not include maple syrup. In Chile and Peru, stews with beans are common, though with their own spices and preparations.
Maple baked pork and beans combines the sweetness of the syrup with the smoky flavor of salted bacon, creating a delicious and comforting contrast. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a family lunch, evoking cottage flavors that invite tradition and gathering.
How to Prepare Maple Baked Pork and Beans
Ingredients: White Beans, Salted Bacon, White Onions, Ketchup, Pure Maple Syrup, Dark Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Cayenne Pepper, Cloves, Boiling Water.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Place the beans in a large bean pot or a fireproof casserole dish.
Cut the rind from the salted pork in one piece, leaving an inch and a half of fat attached.
Set aside.
Cut the remaining salted pork into strips approximately 1.5 x 0.75 x 1.5 inches.
Blanch the rind and the strips in a large saucepan for 5 minutes to remove some of the salt.
Drain and rinse well under cold running water.
Add the salted pork strips and all the remaining ingredients, except the rind, to the bean pot and mix well to combine.
Place the pork rind on top, cover tightly, and bake for 3 hours.
Remove the rind, cover again, and continue baking for another 3 to 5 hours, until the beans are tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce.
Check occasionally during the last hours of baking and add additional boiling water, if necessary, to prevent burning.
