Pure and Simple Slow-Cooked Boston Baked Beans Recipe
"[Photograph: Vicky Wasik] Boston baked beans, one of the most famous of many versions of baked beans to come out of New England, stars very few ingredients, the main ones being no more than beans, molasses, and salt pork. The secret is a long, slow cook in a dry oven to gently tenderize and partially break down the beans, while a deep, dark crust forms on top for the best possible flavor...."
INGREDIENTS
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1 pound dried small white beans (about 2 cups; 450g), such as navy beans
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Kosher salt
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Assorted peeled, halved, and trimmed aromatic vegetables (such as 1 yellow onion, 1 carrot, and 2 cloves garlic), optional
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2 sprigs of a woodsy herb (such as rosemary, sage, and/or thyme), optional
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1 bay leaf
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1/2 cup (120ml) dark molasses (not blackstrap)
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2 teaspoons (10ml) Dijon or brown mustard
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1/2 pound (225g) salt pork or slab bacon, rinsed of excess salt if necessary and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (see note)
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1 large yellow onion, diced (about 8 ounces; 225g) (see note)
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Apple cider vinegar, to taste (optional)
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