Baked Beans with Maple Syrup (Québec Fèves au lard au sirop d'érable)

Any Quebecer will tell you that baked beans, also known as fèves au lard, are an integral part of any sugar shacking experience. But these baked beans can easily be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch or supper and throughout the year. This recipe for Homemade Quebec Maple Baked Beans is truly that versatile. Also provided in this recipe are cooking guidelines so that these baked beans can easily be made in your slow-cooker or oven. They make one of the best sides dishes especially when served alongside this finger licking Bar-B-Barn Ribs. Growing up we simply ate them on toast.

1 lb dry beans (navy or great Northern) 2⅓ cups
water for soaking and precooking
1 medium onion
½ cup pure Québec maple syrup
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. unsulfured molasses
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 tsp. dry mustard
3 cups water for cooking
1 tsp. sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

Rinsing and soaking the beans:
Rinse and sort the beans; remove any pebbles or debris. Place the beans in a large bowl. Fill with water in order to submerge the beans by at least 2" of water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours).

Precooking the beans:
The next day, transfer the drained and rinsed again beans to a large pot. Re-fill with water and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and rinse again.

Method for slow cooker:
Transfer the rinsed precooked beans in your slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir together and place the whole onion in the center. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or until the beans are tender. If the mixture appears dry, you can add some water.

Dutch oven method:
Preheat oven to 225°F (105°C).

Once again, transfer the precooked beans in your dutch oven or a large oven proof pot. Add the rest of the ingredients, cover and cook for approximately 6 hours. Remove the lid the last 30 minutes or so in order to obtain a nice golden color. As with the slow cooker method, if the beans appear dry, make sure to add a little water.

Makes 5 cups.

Cook's Notes: These Homemade Quebec Maple Baked Beans can be served immediately or refrigerated and served reheated the next day. These baked beans can also be frozen.