Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of Nanny-Beans, a classic American recipe that will satisfy your taste buds. Made with tender beans, savory meat, and a blend of spices, this dish is perfect for family meals or potlucks. It's easy to prepare and will keep you warm on a chilly day. Follow this recipe to create a tasty and filling dish that will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ham hock or bacon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Rinse the navy beans and soak them overnight in water.
- In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, water, diced onion, minced garlic, ham hock or bacon, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham hock or bacon from the pot and set aside. Remove the bay leaves as well.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, molasses, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pot of beans and stir well.
- Continue simmering the beans for an additional 15 minutes, until the flavors are well combined.
- If desired, remove some of the beans from the pot and mash them with a fork or potato masher to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the nanny-beans hot with the reserved ham hock or bacon on the side, or chopped and mixed into the beans.
Interesting Facts
Nanny-Beans gets its name from the traditional role of older women in American households who would slow-cook beans for hours to create a flavorful and comforting dish.
This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker or instant pot for added convenience.
Navy beans are a great source of fiber and protein, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Leftovers of nanny-beans can be enjoyed the next day as the flavors intensify and meld together even more.