bake beans with toutons

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours (beans) + 20 minutes (toutons)

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Baked Beans:

• 2 cups dried navy beans

• 4 cups water (for soaking)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)

• 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 2–3 slices of salt pork or bacon (optional but traditional)

For the Toutons:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1 tbsp instant dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter (for pan-frying)

Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Baked Beans

Step 1: Soak the Beans (Overnight or Quick Soak)

• Overnight Soak: Rinse beans and soak in 4 cups of water overnight (8–12 hours).

• Quick Soak Method: Boil beans for 2 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.

Drain and rinse soaked beans before cooking.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Beans

• In a Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine soaked beans, diced onion, molasses, brown sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup, and vinegar.

• Add enough water to cover beans by at least 1 inch.

• If using, nestle the salt pork or bacon into the mixture.

• Cooking Options:

  • Oven Method: Bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.

  • Slow Cooker Method: Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.

Beans are done when tender and the sauce is thick and rich.

Part 2: Making Toutons

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

• Add warm water slowly, mixing until a soft dough forms.

• Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Toutons

• Punch down the dough and divide into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).

• Flatten each ball into a disk, about 1/2 inch thick.

• Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• Fry the toutons in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

• Drain on paper towels and keep warm until serving.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Beans and Toutons are traditionally served together, often with:

• Molasses drizzled over toutons

• A side of pickled beets or mustard pickles

• Fried bologna or eggs for a heartier meal

• Sometimes a touch of salted butter or cream cheese on toutons for a modern twist

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip soaking the beans—it helps with cooking time and digestion.

• Adjust the sweetness to taste. Newfoundland baked beans are on the sweeter side, but you can tone it down if preferred.

• If using bacon instead of salt pork, cook it partially first to render some fat.

• Ensure the oil isn’t too hot for toutons or they’ll brown too quickly and remain raw inside.

Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Beans: Skip the salt pork and add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.

• Touton Add-Ins: Mix herbs or shredded cheese into the dough for a unique twist.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the beans for heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Beans: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Toutons: Best fresh, but can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in a pan or toaster oven.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 cup beans, 2 toutons)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Baked Beans with Toutons is a hearty, comforting dish that connects you with Newfoundland roots and traditions. The sweet-savory beans and crispy fried bread combine for a soul-satisfying experience you’ll want to make again and again. Though it takes a bit of time and effort, the results are worth every minute.

So whether you’re honoring your heritage, exploring Canadian cuisine, or just craving something delicious and cozy, give this recipe a try—and don’t forget the molasses!