Traditional Recipes, 1940s

Boston Baked Beans Recipe

1 pound pea beans
1/4 pound salt pork
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/3 cup molasses
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups hot water
2-3 slices onion (if desired)

Mix salt, mustard, molasses, sugar, and pepper with the hot water.

Pick over beans and wash with cold water. Soak overnight. In morning par-boil until until skins begin to split open, about 45 minutes. Put a slice of salt pork in bottom of bean pot and onion slices if used. Drain beans and put in the pot. Pour the above mixture over them. Wash and score rind side of salt pork and place on top of beans, with just the rind showing above the beans. If more water is needed, fill to top of pot. Bake in 250 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 8 hours. During last hour of cooking, take cover off to let beans brown more. Add water during day from time to time as needed.

— D.R.H.

Related Recipes
Boston Baked Beans, 1920s

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