Spicy Cowboy Beans

Directions

Rinse beans.

In a large saucepan combine beans and 4 cups water.

Bring to the boil; reduce heat, simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour or skip boiling the water and soak beans overnight; drain and rinse beans.

In the same pan combine beans and 4 cups fresh water.

Bring to the boil; reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for about 75 minutes or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

Drain beans, reserving liquid.

In a 2-pint casserole, combine beans, ham and onion.

Stir together half a cup of the bean liquid, passata, chilli peppers, brown sugar, chilli powder, salt and mustard.

Stir into bean mixture, bake, covered, in a 160℃/325℉/Gas Mark 3 oven for about an hour.

Uncover and bake for about 45 minutes or more to desired consistency.