Campfire Pork and Beans

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2018-06-02

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2 cups dried pinto or navy beans, rinsed, picked over and soaked in water overnight 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1 cup diced uncooked salt pork or bacon 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt Prepare a medium-hot campfire fitted with a grill rack. Drain the beans and place them in a Dutch oven or deep pot. Add enough water to cover beans by 3 inches. Place pot on grate and cook at a low boil until beans are just tender, about 1 hour, covered during the final 30 minutes. Drain beans and transfer to a bowl. Return Dutch oven to rack. Add the cumin seeds and saute briefly until fragrant. Add the onion and salt pork or bacon. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add beans, the chipotle powder, garlic, oregano and enough water to just cover beans. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook for another 11/2 hours, or until meat and beans are tender. Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar and salt. Uncover and cook until sauce is slightly reduced. Adjust seasonings. Makes 8 to 10 servings. — Recipe adapted by The Associated Press from "Wood-Fired Cooking," by Mary Karlin (Ten Speed Press, 2009)