Newfoundland Boiled Beans {Dad’s Recipe}

Name: Newfoundland Boiled Beans {Dad's Recipe}
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 85 min
Total time: 815 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups dried navy beans (-soaked in water overnight); 4 cups vegetable stock (-or water); 4-5 cups water (-or more depending on desired consistency); 1 lb ham (-cut into cubes, about 3 cups (I used a smoked ham)); 2 onions (-divided (one left whole and one chopped (about 1 cup))); 2-3 celery (-chopped (roughly 1 cup)); 2-3 carrot (-peeled and chopped (roughly 2 cups)); 1 small turnip (-peeled and chopped into cubes (roughly 2.5 cups)); 1 tsp black pepper (-divided); 1/4 tsp salt (-optional (or to taste)); 1/2 - 1 tbsp molasses

May 9, 2019 Updated: July 3, 2019 By Dawn Coombs 29 Comments

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This Newfoundland Boiled Beans recipe is simple, rustic and oh-so-satisfying. With just some basic ingredients and a little time, you could be enjoying this for dinner tonight. Delicious with a hunk of crusty, buttery bread.

Hey guys! Today I’m sharing another traditional Newfoundland recipe – boiled beans. This is my father’s recipe and I’m sure there are other variations, but I wanted to share how he does it (which I think is pretty darn tasty).

When I asked my dad how he makes his boiled bean recipe I asked a lot of questions about what goes in it, how much of each ingredient and the process. It was funny because, like most traditional recipes, they are made from the heart and not always written down (as in the case of my dad’s boiled beans).

When I asked about consistency and such, he said ‘I don’t know, I just look at it. If it’s too liquidy, I remove the cover to reduce some of the liquid; if it’s too thick, I add more water.’ Simple as that.

Anywho, after I prepared his recipe, I brought dad and mom some to enjoy for lunch. They loved it so I guess I made dad proud with this one!

It’s nice to hold onto tradition and recipes that mean a lot to you or where you’ve come from. Because of that, I’ve been trying to share more of those recipes with you guys. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

What are Newfoundland Boiled Beans? What Ingredients Goes In Boiled Beans?

Newfoundland boiled beans is exactly that, boiled beans. I know what you’re probably thinking…

—>EXCITING!!<—

Ok…definitely not, but what this recipe lacks in title, it makes up for in flavour.

Though there’s a broth, this is not a soup. It’s just well cooked beans infused with a tasty liquid. As the beans and ham cook at the same time, the flavours of the ham seep into the beans and liquid base making everything quite relishing.

As you can probably tell, the recipe itself is super rustic. There’s nothing fancy here at all, but it tastes so good! For this boiled bean recipe, you’re going to need –

–Stock and/or water (some people use all water, but I like to use a little stock too for extra flavour)

–Dried beans that have been soaked overnight

–Ham or salt beef (sometimes dad uses leftover cooked pork instead)

-Veggies, like onion, turnip (rutabaga), carrot and celery (less traditional, but delicious)

-Lots of black pepper

–Molasses for a little sweetness (optional)

What Type of Bean Do I Use?

Use dried navy beans that have been picked over (i.e. remove any foreign objects like rocks or imperfect beans) and rinsed. I don’t recommend canned beans here because they won’t withstand the cooking time.

Do I Have to Soak Beans Before Cooking?

Yes! Soak beans overnight in a bowl of cold water. Ensure that the beans are well submerged because they will expand as they soak.

When ready to use, drain, rinse again with fresh, cold water and proceed with the recipe.

How to Make Boiled Beans?

-Soak those beans overnight in a bowl of cold water so they plump and soften a little.

-In a large pot add drained, soaked/rinsed beans, stock, water and one whole onion. Bring to a simmer, reduce to a medium simmer and cover ajar for about an hour.

-After an hour or when the beans are almost tender remove whole onion, add veggies, a little more water and half of black pepper. Cook for about 25-30 minutes more.

-Once beans and veggies are tender, stir in remaining black pepper and some molasses. Adjust seasoning if you like.

-Portion and enjoy!

Tips for Making this Boiled Beans Recipe

Don’t forget to soak your beans overnight! It makes the cooking process that much quicker!

I used two onions here…one at the beginning and one at the end. The first one I discarded after about an hour (well, by discarded, I mean ate). If you like, you could leave in for the full cooking time.

Have a leftover ham bone? Throw that in the mix when you start. It will further infuse the broth.

The brand or variety of ham you use may vary in salt content. If you need additional salt here, just add to your taste.

I like to leave the ham and veggies in larger chunks because this is such a rustic, hearty recipe. If you want to cut smaller, that’s a-ok too.

Dad adds a touch molasses at the end to infuse a little sweetness. This is optional, but I do think it adds something special to the recipe.

During the whole cooking time there was a medium-ish simmer. If you have less of a simmer, for example, you may have to cook a little longer.

Can I Freeze this Boiled Bean Recipe?

Yes! This version doesn’t have potato and freezes super well! Portion any cooled leftovers into vacuum seal bags, seal and lay flat to freeze OR store in freezer safe containers. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!

Variations for This Newfoundland Boiled Bean Recipe

Salt beef is more traditional for this boiled bean recipe. My father prefers ham because it’s less salty than salt beef. Plus, salt beef is pretty difficult to get your hands on outside of Newfoundland.

Note: If you’d rather use salt beef, though, go for it. Use an equivalent amount as the ham; don’t forget to soak your salt beef in cold water for a day or two, changing the water once or twice to get rid of excess salt before using in this recipe. Trim any excess fat too.

For extra oomph, throw in a couple of bay leaves (discard when beans are cooked) and some herbage, like rosemary and thyme.

Love this Boiled Bean and Ham Recipe? You May Enjoy These Too

Newfoundland Cod au Gratin

Newfoundland Salt Cod Fish Cakes

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham

Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon

I suggest have a nice warm roll or hunk of bread with this ham and bean recipe. Julia from Imagelicious has a lovely Instant Pot dinner roll recipe that would pair beautifully.

Hope you love this traditional Newfoundland boiled beans recipe.

Until next time, take care and chit chat again soon,

~Dawn

P.S. If you think this old fashioned boiled beans recipe will make your belly happy too, please be sure to hit that little Pin button. Many thanks, you guys! XO

An overhead shot of a bowl old fashioned Newfoundland boiled beans with ham and veggies.

5 from 1 vote