Traditional Quebec-Style Baked Beans
Traditional Quebec-style baked beans are a true symbol of Quebec cuisine. This comforting dish, with its sweet and caramelized aromas, evokes warm memories of sugar shacks and family meals. Prepared with care, traditional Quebec-style baked beans are simple, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. Today, I am sharing an authentic recipe that will allow you to rediscover all the flavors of yesteryear in your own kitchen. Whether for brunch, a family meal, or a festive supper, this recipe will be the star of your table.
\nIn this recipe for traditional Quebec-style baked beans, we will follow the classic steps used for generations, while adding a few tips to achieve tender beans well coated in sweet and salty sauce.
Instructions
Pre-cooking of the beans
Place the drained beans in a large saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the beans are slightly tender but still firm. Drain again.
Preparation of main cooking
In a large cast-iron pot, slow cooker or baking dish, place half of the lard at the bottom. Add half of the cooked beans on top. Spread the chopped onion over the layer of beans. Add the remaining lard, then finish with the remaining beans.
Preparation of the sauce
In a bowl, mix maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beans in the pot. Add enough hot water to just cover the beans.
Slow cooking of the beans in lard
For a traditional homemade baked beans recipe, slow cooking is key: In a conventional oven: Preheat your oven to 120 °C (250 °F). Cover the pot and bake for about 6 to 8 hours. Stir gently every 2 hours and add water as needed to prevent the beans from drying out. For a nice caramelization, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking. Tip: If using a slow cooker, set it to low heat for 8 hours.
Our Tips
Chef's tips for making this recipe
Do not salt the soaking water : this could prevent the beans from softening correctly.
Use good quality lard : a good salty lard adds an unmatched flavor.
Pure maple syrup : choose a grade A amber maple syrup to get a richer flavor in your traditional homemade bean recipe with lard.
Patience : slow cooking is what gives the beans their creamy texture and caramelized taste.
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions about this recipe
: this could prevent the beans from softening correctly.
Skill Progression
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