How should home canned baked beans be prepared? This question often arises for those who enjoy the convenience of homemade canned goods while also seeking the satisfaction of crafting their own recipes. Canning baked beans is a delightful way to preserve the flavors of this classic dish for extended periods. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing and canning baked beans at home, ensuring a delicious and safe outcome.
Canning baked beans involves several steps, from selecting the right ingredients to following a safe canning process. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare home canned baked beans:
1. Ingredients: To begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of navy beans or any other type of bean you prefer
– 1 cup of ketchup
– 1/2 cup of molasses
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of mustard
– 2 tablespoons of onion powder
– 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin (optional)
2. Soak the Beans: Rinse the beans and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
3. Cook the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the beans are cooking, mix the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, celery seed, and optional spices in a separate bowl. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Once the beans are cooked, add the sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Can the Beans: While the beans are simmering, prepare your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the beans are ready, ladle them into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth, place the lids and rings on the jars, and tighten them until finger-tight.
7. Process the Jars: Place the jars in a water bath canner and process them for 75 minutes at a rolling boil, adjusting the processing time based on your altitude. After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wooden surface or towel for 12-24 hours.
8. Check for Seals: Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they are not sealed, refrigerate the beans and consume them within a few days.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the convenience of home canned baked beans while savoring the flavors of a homemade dish. Happy canning!
