Source: https://www.food.com/recipe/grandma-browns-beans-494315
- 1lb navy beans
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- water, to cover
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces ham or 3 ounces cooked bacon
- 1⁄4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Add 1 teaspoon baking soda to 6 cups water.
- Bring water to a boil.
- Sort through beans for debris.
- Add navy beans to water.
- Boil 10 minutes.
- Turn off heat.
- Cover pot.
- Let sit overnight.
- Rinse beans well.
- Add beans and all other ingredients to oven proof pot with tight fitting lid.
- Stir well.
- Add water until beans are just covered.
- Cover pot with lid.
- Bake 5 to 6 hours at 300°F.
- Every hour stir and add water to cover if beans are drying out.
- Final product should be a thick and not runny.