Western-Style Beans

Ingredients 0/15

Step 1

Place the beans in a pot and covering them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to cook, add the butter to the pot with the beans and water. Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover, and let the beans simmer gently until they’re tender—this usually takes about 2 hours.

Step 2

While the beans are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the excess fat, but save about 2 tablespoons of the drippings for later.

Step 3

Add the cooked sausage and reserved drippings to the beans, along with the apple slices, tomato juice, chopped onion, brown sugar, garlic, salt, chili powder, mustard, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring it back up to a boil. Lower the heat again, cover the pot, and let it simmer for another couple of hours so the flavors really have a chance to come together.

Step 4

Right before serving, stir in the rum. Scoop the beans into bowls and add a dollop of sour cream on top. Enjoy!