Bean-Hole Beans

Bean-Hole Beans
  • PREP TIME
    55 mins
  • COOK TIME
    12 hrs
  • TOTAL TIME
    13 hrs 10 mins
  • SERVING
    30 People
  • VIEWS
    21

Experience a taste of rustic tradition with these Bean-Hole Beans, slow-cooked underground for an unforgettable depth of flavor. This method, reminiscent of old-world cooking, yields incredibly tender beans infused with smoky and sweet notes.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    51 g
  • Cholesterol
    21 mg
  • Fiber
    10 g
  • Protein
    13 g
  • Saturated Fat
    7 g
  • Sodium
    251 mg
  • Sugar
    16 g
  • Fat
    16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Bean Hole: Dig a hole 2.5 to 3 feet deep and wide enough to allow a 6-inch space between the bean pot and the edge of the hole. Place old tire chains or stones at the bottom to help retain heat.

02

Step

Build the Fire: Start a robust fire using dry hardwood. Maintain the fire for approximately 3 hours, ensuring the hole is at least 3/4 full of hot coals.

03

Step

Pre-cook the Beans: After the fire has been burning for about 1 hour, place the beans in a large pot on the stove, covering them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the skins begin to roll back when blown upon, about 45 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.

04

Step

Layer the Flavors: In the bean pot, layer the salt pork slices at the bottom, followed by the halved onions. Pour the pre-cooked beans and their liquid into the pot. Mix in the molasses, black pepper, and dry mustard. Top with slices of butter. Add enough boiling water to cover the beans by about one inch. (15 minutes)

05

Step

Seal and Bury: Cover the top of the pot tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring it extends over the sides by at least 2 inches. Place the lid securely on the bean pot. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Prepare the Hole: Before placing the pot in the hole, remove about 1/3 of the coals with a shovel, discarding any burning wood pieces. (10 minutes)

07

Step

Bury the Pot: Carefully lower the bean pot into the hole. Return the removed coals around the sides and over the top of the pot. Fill the hole with dirt, packing it down firmly with your feet, until about 2 feet of dirt covers the pot. (30 minutes)

08

Step

Stew Overnight: Cover the buried area with a tarp or metal sheet to protect it from rain. Allow the beans to stew overnight in the bean hole.

09

Step

Unearth and Enjoy: The next day, carefully dig out the bean pot. Your Bean-Hole Beans are ready to be savored!

For a smokier flavor, add a handful of wood chips (like hickory or applewood) to the fire during the initial burning process.
If you don't have a traditional bean pot, a Dutch oven will work well. Ensure it's heavy-duty and can withstand the heat.
Adjust the amount of molasses and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
Be patient! The long, slow cooking process is key to achieving the unique flavor of Bean-Hole Beans.

Lee Gleason

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 7 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Aryanna Metzkub

    This recipe is amazing! The beans were so tender and flavorful. The whole family loved them!

  • Tad Lowe

    Next time, I'll try adding a bit of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

  • Bailey Hackett

    A real taste of tradition! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

  • Rachelle Schuster

    I was a bit intimidated by the process, but it was so worth it. The smoky flavor is incredible.

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