Native-American Style Maple Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 lb dried navy beans (or dried butter beans)
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger

Directions

1. 1

   Add water and beans to a large pot. Bring to the boil over high heat, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours.

2. 2

   Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups of the liquid. (Add water to make 2 cups, if necessary).

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

4. 4

   In a small skillet, heat the oil or melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté until golden, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add the onion, salt, maple syrup, dry mustard, and ginger to the beans, and transfer mixture to a 2-quart (oven-proof) baking pot.

5. 5

   Cover the pot and bake in the middle of the oven for 2 hours. Occasionally check the beans and add more water, if necessary.

6. 6

   After 2 hours, uncover the beans and bake an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

7. 7

   Let stand about 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot. Makes 10 Servings.