Native-American Style Maple Baked Beans

Native American style beans are made with maple sugar, not molasses and salt pork. Traditionally served with pumpkin bread studded with dried wild grapes (or raisins). Recipe from New Native American Cooking, 1996 by Dale Carson.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 55 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 4  cups water
• 1  lb dried navy beans (or dried butter beans)
• 1  tablespoon  oil or 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  medium onion, sliced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1  cup maple syrup
• 1  teaspoon dry mustard
• 1  teaspoon powdered ginger

Directions

1. Add water and beans to a large pot. Bring to the boil over high heat, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours.
2. Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of the liquid. (Add water to make 2 cups, if necessary).
3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. In a small skillet, heat the oil or melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté until golden, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add the onion, salt, maple syrup, dry mustard, and ginger to the beans, and transfer mixture to a 2-quart (oven-proof) baking pot.
5. Cover the pot and bake in the middle of the oven for 2 hours. Occasionally check the beans and add more water, if necessary.
6. After 2 hours, uncover the beans and bake an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
7. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot. Makes 10 Servings.