Love New England food traditions? The famous Boston baked beans from Durgin Park Restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts holds a special place in a New Englander's favorite dishes. Durgin Park recently sent us its authentic recipe that is about as "Boston" as you can get, and served at this landmark restaurant since the mid 1800s:
1 pound (2 cups) dried navy beans
1/2 pound salt pork, cut in half
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Soak the beans overnight in cold water. The beans will double in size. Place the beans in a heavy saucepan, fill with water half an inch above the beans, and boil for 25 to 30 minutes. The beans will be tender; do not overcook (place a bean between thumb and forefinger and pinch. The outer shell should slip off.) Drain and rinse, saving the stock. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place half the salt port in the bottom of a large ovenproof pot. Add the beans, sugar, molasses, dry mustard, white pepper, and salt. Top with the remaining half of the salt pork. Bake for 4 to 4 ½ hours. Let the beans rest for 30 minutes before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Credits to: Visiting New England
