Quebec-Style Baked Beans (Fèves au Lard)

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 6 cups water (for cooking beans)
• 4 oz (about 120g) salt pork or thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups water (for sauce)

Method

1. Prepare the Beans:
   • After soaking the beans overnight, drain and rinse them. Place the beans in a large pot with 6 cups of water.
   • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Baked Beans:
   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced salt pork or bacon over medium heat until browned and slightly crispy. Remove some of the excess fat if desired, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pot.
   • Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients for Baking:
   • Add the cooked beans to the pot along with the maple syrup, molasses, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, ground cloves (if using), and 1 1/2 cups of water.
   • Stir well to combine, ensuring the beans are coated in the sauce.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the pot with a lid or foil and place in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 4-5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the beans stay moist. Add a little extra water if needed.
   • For thicker sauce and deeper flavor, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve:
   • Let the beans cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious with crusty bread, toast, or alongside breakfast dishes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 8g
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 18g
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 400mg

These baked beans are sweet, savory, and perfect for a comforting meal or side dish.