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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 120 Minutes |
Ready In: 120 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Here’s my recipe for making baked beans from the can taste oh-so-much-better. :) Smoky, not too sweet, delicious! Ingredients:
1 smoked ham hock |
2 tsp olive or vegetable oil |
1 cup chopped onion |
3 cloves garlic, minced |
1 lb pork, in chunks (i’ve used pork chops off the bone) |
1 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (actually, a combo of red/yellow/orange is good and colorful, too) |
1 (4 oz) can chopped mild green chiles |
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce |
1 (28 oz) can baked beans |
2 cups tomato broth with chicken or chicken broth |
3 cups soaked beans (i’ve used black beans, black eyed peas, and a combo – canned are also okay, but will cook faster) |
1 tbsp pomegranate molasses (pomegranate syrup) |
1 tbsp regular molasses |
3 tbsp maple syrup |
1 tsp balsamic vinegar |
1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder |
--> 1 tbsp additional maple syrup, to taste (optional, added before serving and not during cooking) |
Directions:
1. Cut large pieces of fat off the ham hock, separating them into about 1 inch pieces (easier to remove later on).
2. 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.
3. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is golden brown.
4. Add the chunked pork pieces and brown.
5. Add remaining ingredients.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Taste the sauce to see if it's sweet enough to your taste - if not, stir in additional maple syrup until it is.
9. Serve with corn, collard greens, cornbread, and your favorite baked or fried chicken!
10. Note: if you'd like the taste of the beans a little smokier, you can add Liquid Smoke to taste.
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