The humble baked bean is a behind-the-scenes star of the casual culinary world. It complements heaping plates of barbecue, ...

Most British recipes for Boston baked beans just use a piece of pork belly, but we think it needs some salted or smoked meat to counteract the sweetness, so we include bacon or pancetta.

Wash and soak the beans overnight. Drain and discard the soaking water, place in a saucepan or pressure cooker with fresh water, add the garlic and olive oil. Cook until almost tender, 10-15 minutes.

Molasses are the secret ingredient in Boston baked beans - they give a savoury depth to this delicious slow-cooked dish. Equipment and preparation: for this recipe you will need a slow cooker.

This venerable Yankee-cooking holdout serves Beantown's finest: Tender and hearty, with a surprising molasses kick, they're perfect ballast for braving a wicked nor'easter, or just [...] read more» ...