First Prize Beans
A hearty traditional Navy Beans dish infused with aromatic spices, smoked meats, and a splash of Jamaican rum, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover beans with water and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans and put them in a large pot with fresh water to a depth of 3 inches above the beans.
- Stick cloves into the peeled onion and add it to the bean pot along with the bay leaf and salt.
- Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes while skimming foam from the top.
- Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender but not mushy.
- Drain the beans and reserve the liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
For a rich depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for heat. If you can't find navy beans, Great Northern beans are a good substitute. Soaking the beans overnight is essential to ensure they cook evenly and reduce cooking time. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the salt pork and ham with smoked tofu and liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these First Prize Beans with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal, or pair with coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They also go well with grilled meats, making them a perfect side for barbecues. For a heartier dish, try them alongside the Cheese Noodle Beef Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of First Prize Beans contains roughly 1539 calories, with 31g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (327% of the Daily Value), iron (199% of the Daily Value), and calcium (130% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
While using canned beans can save time, they won't have the same depth of flavor as dried beans cooked from scratch. If you choose to use canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly and add them after the initial simmering step.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
Beans are ready when they are tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers or in a spoon. Keep in mind that they should hold their shape and not turn mushy. Start checking for doneness after about an hour of simmering.
What can I do with the reserved cooking liquid?
The reserved cooking liquid is full of flavor and can be used as a base for soups or stews. Alternatively, you can add it back to the beans as you reheat them to keep them moist and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).