Maine Baked Soldier Beans
Maine Baked Soldier Beans offer hearty, sweet and savory flavors with tender beans, molasses, and salt pork, perfect for comforting family meals or traditional gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick over the soldier beans to remove any pebbles.
- Soak the beans overnight in water that covers them by at least three inches.
- Drain the beans in the morning and cover with fresh water.
- Parboil the beans until they just begin to soften and skins split when blown on.
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the beans and let it foam up.
- Drain the beans into a colander and rinse thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use high-quality soldier beans and soak them overnight as instructed. If you can't find soldier beans, navy or pinto beans can be used as substitutes. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar and molasses according to your taste. A dash of smoked paprika can add a nice depth to the dish. Remember to check the beans frequently during parboiling to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Maine Baked Soldier Beans as a hearty main or side dish. They pair beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Consider serving alongside a simple green salad or alongside a meat dish like Baked Ham With Peaches for a delicious meal. A dollop of mustard on the side can enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen them up. Stir occasionally until heated through, or for a quicker option, use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maine Baked Soldier Beans contains roughly 26 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the salt pork. For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the depth that the pork would provide.
How do I know when the beans are fully cooked?
The beans are fully cooked when they are soft but still hold their shape. You can test them by blowing on a few; if the skins start to split, they are nearly done. Remember they will continue to cook while baking.
Can I freeze the baked beans?
Absolutely! Allow the baked beans to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a saucepan or microwave.
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).