Maine-style Bean Hole Beans

Maine-style Bean Hole Beans are a classic New England dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with a combination of beans, bacon, and molasses, and is slow-cooked in a bean hole for hours, resulting in a rich and savory flavor that is sure to satisfy.

To make Maine-style Bean Hole Beans, you will need the following ingredients per serving:

- 1 cup of dried navy beans
- 2 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of molasses
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 cups of water

To start, soak the beans overnight in water. In the morning, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with the bacon, molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Next, transfer the bean mixture to a bean hole. A bean hole is a hole in the ground that is lined with rocks and heated with a fire. Once the rocks are hot, place the pot of beans in the hole and cover it with dirt. Let the beans cook for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender and flavorful.
When the beans are done, remove them from the bean hole and serve hot. The appearance of the dish is a rich, dark brown color with chunks of bacon and beans. The taste is savory and slightly sweet, with a smoky flavor from the bacon and the slow-cooking process.
Maine-style Bean Hole Beans are a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a backyard barbecue. The dish is hearty and filling, and the slow-cooking process gives it a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. Try making this classic New England dish today and enjoy a taste of history!
Type of dish: Slow-cooked beans
Main ingredients: Navy beans, bacon, molasses