print Baked Beans with Smoked Pork Ribs

A hearty variation on pork and beans. The ribs lend their rich smoky flavour to the beans when baked together.

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

2 cups	navy beans	500 mL
1 rack	Springer’s smoked side ribs
2 quarts	water	2 L
2 cups	minced onion	500 mL
1 tbsp	minced garlic	15 mL
1 tbsp	grainy Dijon mustard	15 mL
1/2 cup	ketchup	125 mL
1 tbsp	Worcestershire sauce	15 mL
1 tsp	soy sauce	5 mL
1/4 cup	brown sugar	50 mL
1/4 cup	molasses	50 mL
2 tbsp	maple syrup	30 mL
1 tsp	ground black pepper	5 mL
2 tsp	salt (or to taste)	10 mL

Directions

Put beans in a large bowl and add cold water so that the water is 2 inches (5 cm) above the beans and soak overnight. Simmer the beans in the same water (at more to cover if needed) until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Trim meaty top from ribs and cut into three pieces. In a large pot, combine water and trimmed meat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes.

Remove meat from pot and let cool. Remove meat from cartilage and bone and dice meat into small 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) cubes. Set aside. Strain cooking liquid and reserve.

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)

In a large casserole dish, combine the beans, onions, and diced trim meat. In a saucepan, combine garlic, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, and pepper. Bring to a boil while stirring. Pour over and stir into beans. Cover beans with reserved cooking liquid. Reserve leftover liquid.

Cut ribs into 2 rib portions and layer over top of beans. Cover and bake in oven for 3 hours then uncover and check doneness of beans. Add more of the reserved cooking liquid to keep beans from drying out. Cook for another hour, uncovered, adding liquid if necessary for another hour or until beans are tender. Add salt to taste.

Serve with cornbread muffins or biscuits.

Source: Springer’s Meats (springersmeats.com)