Harlequin Bean Pot
Harlequin Bean Pot combines a medley of beans with a rich, tangy sauce and crispy bacon, offering hearty comfort and robust flavors. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, its colorful appearance and savory taste make it a crowd-pleaser for those seeking a satisfying, rustic dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. can red kidney beans, well drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. can big lima beans, well drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. can baby lima beans, well drained ⓘ
- 28 oz. can pork and beans, not drained ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, diced ⓘ
- 4 large onions, cut into rings ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all beans in a large casserole or bean pot.
- Fry the diced bacon until crisp.
- Add onion rings and minced garlic to the bacon and cook in the bacon fat for a few minutes.
- Add dry mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the beans in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 75 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a few drops of liquid smoke. You can substitute the red kidney beans with pinto beans or black beans for a different twist. If you're short on time, precooked bacon can be used to skip the frying step. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Harlequin Bean Pot alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork recipes, making it a great side dish for grilled meats or barbecues. For a complete dinner, consider complementing it with Hole-In-One Peppers or a light dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harlequin Bean Pot contains roughly 613 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked and cooked beforehand. Follow the package instructions for soaking and cooking times. Generally, 1 cup of dried beans yields about 2.5 cups cooked, so adjust the quantities accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce. For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste that bacon would provide.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Harlequin Bean Pot up to a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then follow the baking instructions.
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).