Julies Smoky Baked Beans Recipe

Julies Smoky Baked Beans

From julesong 16 years ago

Here’s my recipe for making baked beans from the can taste oh-so-much-better. :) Smoky, not too sweet, delicious!

1 smoked ham hock shopping list
2 tsp olive or vegetable oil shopping list
1 cup chopped onion shopping list
3 cloves garlic, minced shopping list
1 lb pork, in chunks (I’ve used pork chops off the bone) shopping list
1 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (actually, a combo of red/yellow/orange is good and colorful, too) shopping list
1 (4 oz) can chopped mild green chiles shopping list
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce shopping list
1 (28 oz) can baked beans shopping list
2 cups tomato broth with chicken or chicken broth shopping list
3 cups soaked beans (I’ve used black beans, black eyed peas, and a combo – canned are also okay, but will cook faster) shopping list
1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (pomegranate syrup) shopping list
1 Tbsp regular molasses shopping list
3 Tbsp maple syrup shopping list
1 tsp balsamic vinegar shopping list
1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder shopping list
--> 1 Tbsp additional maple syrup, to taste (optional, added before serving and not during cooking) shopping list

Cut large pieces of fat off the ham hock, separating them into about 1 inch pieces (easier to remove later on).
In a large heavy pot or dutch oven (I use my large Le Crueset), heat the oil on medium high and then add the ham hock and fat pieces. Sauté for about 5-10 minutes until you’ve rendered some of the ham fat into the pot.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is golden brown.
Add the chunked pork pieces and brown.
Add remaining ingredients.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until soaked beans are cooked to your preference. The last 45 to 60 minutes uncover the pot to allow the sauce to thicken to your preference.
Remove the large smoked ham fat pieces and discard. Cut meat from ham hock and stir the meat back into the beans, discarding the rest.
Taste the sauce to see if it's sweet enough to your taste - if not, stir in additional maple syrup until it is.
Serve with corn, collard greens, cornbread, and your favorite baked or fried chicken!
Note: if you'd like the taste of the beans a little smokier, you can add Liquid Smoke to taste.

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cslocklear 16 years ago
whoa..what a baked bean recipe!!..or not baked....slow cooked?...collard greens?? great to hear they get enjoyed out of the south too!
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julesong Seattle, WA

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