Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans with Bacon

Name: Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans with Bacon
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 500 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 cups dried navy beans (soaked overnight); 225 g bacon (cut into pieces); 1 cup pure maple syrup; 1 large onion (finely chopped); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 cups water

500 min 8 servings Easy

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Slow Cooker Maple Baked Beans with Bacon

Delight in this classic Quebecois dish of slow-cooked beans and bacon, infused with the rich flavour of maple syrup.

Prep

20 min

Cook

480 min

Total

500 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Fèves au lard, or baked beans with bacon, is a comforting staple in Quebecois cuisine. This dish combines the earthy taste of beans with the smoky richness of bacon and the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a harmony of flavours that is both satisfying and heartwarming. Using a slow cooker for this recipe allows for an effortless and gradual melding of flavours, making it perfect for leisurely weekends or busy weekdays when you want to come home to a warm and ready meal. The use of maple syrup, a quintessentially Canadian ingredient, adds a unique touch that distinguishes this dish from other versions of baked beans.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Beans

Rinse the soaked navy beans under cold water and drain. Set aside.

Pro tip: Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly.

Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Pro tip: Leave some bacon fat in the skillet for additional flavour.

Combine Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine the beans, cooked bacon, maple syrup, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.

Pro tip: Ensure the beans are evenly coated with the mixture.

Add Water

Pour the water over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring the beans are submerged.

Pro tip: Add more water if necessary to cover the beans.

Slow Cook

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Pro tip: Check the beans occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.

Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of colour.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use dried navy beans for best results. Soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly.</li><li>Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste; more for a sweeter dish, less for subtlety.</li><li>Keep the lid on the slow cooker to maintain moisture and ensure thorough cooking.</li><li>Use smoked bacon for an additional layer of flavour.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve these slow-cooked maple baked beans with crusty bread or as a side to your favourite roasted meats. They pair exceptionally well with barbecued dishes, adding a sweet and smoky complement to grilled flavours. For leftovers, store the beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.