Depression Era Baked Beans
These delicious baked beans are a tradition in our family and one of my favorite comfort foods. This depression era recipe has been passed down through generations. In this recipe I'll be using pinto beans, but my grandmother used red kidney beans, my mother used yellow-eyed beans and I've even used northern beans, so don't be afraid to use a different type of bean if you have a favorite. As beans are at the top of most prepper and pantry lists, this recipe will help you through the rotation process of your stored goods in a protein packed, sweet mix. I do sometimes substitute our homemade barbeque sauce for half the water when I want to jazz up my beans for a specific dinner.
Equipment
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 medium saucepan or pot
- 1 medium casserole dish with cover
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 cups water (can substitute 1 cup barbeque sauce for one of the cups of water)
- ½ lb salt pork (can substitute uncooked bacon)
Instructions
- Soak beans in water over night. Make sure there is enough water to cover beans if they double in size.
- Next morning, dump out water and rinse beans before putting them in your pot with enough water to cover them.
- Parboil in fresh water until skins start to peel and beans soften but not fully cook - about 15 minutes
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Dump water and rinse beans them pour them into your casserole dish and cover with a lid or aluminum foil
- Add diced onion, sugar, dry mustard, salt, pepper, baking soda, molasses, and water. Stir to mix thoroughly then press salt pork or uncooked bacon into the top of the beans.
- Bake for about 2½ hours or until fully soft. Check beans periodically to ensure they have enough water and do not burn dry.
- Remove from oven carefully as they will be extremely hot. Store any leftover in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 1 week.
Notes
I love these beans as they are but also like to replace half of the 2 cups of water with 1 cup of barbeque sauce for a tangy flavor.