What Are Bean Hole Beans? An Old Fashioned New England Style of Cooking Beans

Bean hole beans are a traditional New England style of cooking beans that dates back to colonial times The beans are cooked in a cast iron pot that is placed in a hole in the ground and covered with hot coals and dirt to cook low and slow overnight This unusual cooking method results in tender, flavorful beans with a hint of smoky essence.

A Brief History of Bean Holes

The origin of bean holes can be traced back to Native Americans in New England. Indigenous tribes would dig pits in the ground light a fire to heat rocks or sand add food like beans or meat, and cover everything up to cook. Early European settlers adopted this pit cooking technique. Bean holes were a convenient cooking method for frontier families. The beans could be left to cook unattended for hours while the cook tended to other chores. Bean holes were also useful for cooking large quantities of beans to feed logging camps or for church suppers. This old-fashioned technique is still used today, especially in rural parts of Maine and Vermont. Cooking bean hole beans has become a beloved summertime tradition.

How to Cook Bean Hole Beans

Cooking bean hole beans requires a bit of advance planning, but overall it’s a fairly simple process. Here are the basic steps:

Dig the Hole

First, select a level spot for digging the bean hole. The hole should be about 2 1/2 to 3 feet deep and wide enough to allow 6 inches of space all around the bean pot. Line the bottom with rocks or other heat-retaining materials.

Build a Fire

Next, build a wood fire in the bean hole using hardwood like maple or oak. Let the fire burn for 2-3 hours until the hole is 3/4 full of hot embers and ash.

Prepare the Beans

While the fire is burning, place dried beans in a large pot and parboil until softened but still firm. Great Northern and pea beans are popular choices.

Layer the Pot

Place cured pork like salt pork or ham hocks in the bean pot, then add chopped onions. Pour in the parboiled beans and seasonings like molasses, mustard, and black pepper. Top with pats of butter.

Bury the Pot

When the fire dies down, remove about 1/3 of the coals from the bean hole. Lower the filled bean pot into the hole and surround it completely with the hot embers. Cover everything with about 2 feet of soil.

Cook Overnight

Let the bean pot cook undisturbed for 12-18 hours. The beans will simmer gently in the residual heat. Dig up the pot in the morning for a breakfast of smoky, tender bean hole beans!

What Makes Bean Hole Beans So Special?

There are several factors that contribute to the uniquely delicious flavor and texture of bean hole beans:

• Low and slow cooking: The gentle, even heat from the embers causes the beans to break down gradually and become perfectly tender.

• Infusion of smoke: The smoldering coals impart a delicate hint of wood smoke that seasons the beans.

• Melding of flavors: The long cooking time allows the bean broth to absorb flavors from the salt pork, onions, molasses, and other seasonings.

• Caramelization in the pot: Sugars in the molasses caramelize on the bottom of the pot, adding richness.

• Natural pressure cooking: The tight seal of soil creates a bit of pressure that helps infuse moisture into the beans.

• Retention of nutrients: Unlike boiling, the moist atmosphere andIndirect heat minimizes mineral loss. The beans retain their nutrients.

The end result is bean hole beans with an unrivaled depth of flavor and velvety texture that reflects the old-fashioned cooking process.

Traditional New England Style Bean Hole Beans Recipe

This authentic bean hole beans recipe from Allrecipes closely replicates the traditional technique.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups dried great Northern beans
• 1 pound salt pork
• 2 onions
• 2 1/2 cups molasses
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Dig a 2 1/2 to 3 foot deep hole and line the bottom with rocks or chains. Build a hardwood fire and let burn for 3 hours until filled with hot coals.

2. Place beans in a pot, cover with water, and parboil for 45 minutes until skins loosen. Drain.

3. Place salt pork slices and onion halves in bean pot. Add parboiled beans, molasses, pepper, and mustard. Dot butter on top and add just enough boiling water to cover beans by 1 inch.

4. When fire dies down, remove 1/3 of coals from hole. Lower pot into hole and surround with hot coals and embers. Cover with 2 feet of soil.

5. Let beans cook undisturbed for 12-18 hours. Dig up and enjoy!

This will make a big batch perfect for a crowd. The bean hole beans can also be frozen for later use. Enjoy this taste of authentic New England cuisine!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bean Hole Beans

Here are answers to some common questions about this traditional cooking method:

What types of beans work best?

Great Northern, navy, kidney, and pea beans hold their shape well through the long cooking process. Avoid fragile beans like limas.

What if I don’t want to dig a hole in the ground?

You can approximate bean hole conditions by using a bean pot, slow cooker, or oven with a tight fitting lid. Cook the beans at 200-250°F for 12-24 hours.

Is it safe to eat beans cooked directly in the ground?

Yes, the intense heat from the coals and long cooking time kills any bacteria. The moist heat environment prevents the beans from drying out.

How do I adjust cooking time for my altitude?

Above 3000 feet, increase cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour. The thicker atmosphere retains more heat at higher altitudes.

Can I cook meat in a bean hole?

Absolutely! Many types of meat like pork roast, beef brisket, or whole chickens do wonderfully when cooked in bean holes.

What do I do if the bean hole beans get scorched?

If you peek and spot some dark scorched beans on top, gently stir the pot to redistribute. In the future, use a few more inches of insulating soil.

Do I need to soak the beans before parboiling?

Pre-soaking is recommended to shorten parboil time, but you can skip it if you don’t mind parboiling a bit longer.

Embrace the Bean Hole Tradition

Bean hole beans provide a fun taste of historic New England cuisine. The beans develop deep flavor and tender texture thanks to the gentle heat, smoke, and long cooking time. Families can create lasting memories and bonds while prepping the bean hole, tending the fire, and anticipating the “unearthing” of the cooked beans. Consider trying this classic cooking method at your next camping trip, picnic, or backyard gathering. Just be prepared for requests for your secret family bean hole recipe!