Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried great northern beans or 1 lb dried navy beans, rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2/3 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato juice
  • salt

Method

  • We are talking dried beans here people.
  • Place the beans in a large saucepot and cover with cold water. Let stand overnight at room temperature. You can also quick soak. Boil the beans a minute or two. Turn off the heat. Cover. Let stand for an hour. When the beans are soft they are ready to cook.
  • Drain.
  • Place in an 8-quart saucepot. Cover the beans in fresh water then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the beans are almost tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
  • Return the beans with the other ingredients and the 1 cup reserved cooking liquid to the pot; mix to combine. Pour into a 9x13x2-inch baking pan or a Dutch oven.
  • Bake, uncovered, until very tender, approximately 4 hours.
  • Check the beans occasionally while baking and add water if necessary to prevent the mixture from drying out.
  • Season with salt and let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.