Southern Baked Beans is a Smoky Mountain tradition that's been around for years! The closer south you come, the tangier they get! Why? Because we love to throw in the yellow mustard! There are several different kinds grown in the Smoky Mountains area, however this dish has been a tradition around here for years. Mainly because they are so good for you!
Beans are a popular dish mainly because there are many different ways to cook them. There are stewed Cowboy beans that tastes like chili. Of course the famous barbecue, and casserole dishes with bacon. It's a dish that much more favorable than it used to be! One of the best way to add flavor is with a nice big piece of pork! Other ways are to include maple brown sugar, barbecue, and an all-time favorite is sweetened with honey.
One reason is because the are so G-O-O-D! Another reason is because they are so good for you! Most every kind of legume is filled with nutrients. They have plenty of iron, potassium, folic acid, and help promote healthy cell production. Is your metabolism slow? A good bowl of beans can help speed it up! Most importantly, they are actually are good for your heart! So eat up!
A can of these famous legumes goes a long way in the Smokies! They're great for camping! Eat them hot, or right out of the can! Pop them in the oven, or stew them over a hot fire. Make a sandwich, or mix them with hamburger! You may even be able to come up with some great ideas of your own! However you decide to fix them, you can't go wrong!
It's a food so wonderful it calls for celebration! The Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival is an annual event held each year in May! Sponsored by Bush Brothers & Company, this fiesta features a cook-off, food-tasting, mountain music, antique engines and more. It's a time to celebrate Smoky Mountain tradition. Businesses, area restaurants and caterers are on the scene with fancy dishes, and sharing the latest recipes. It's a time of tournaments, and friendly competition. There's an unbelievable amount of beans here so you'll want to buy a spoon for $10 so you can sample them all! Admission is free for this Gatlinburg Festival. Call for more information at 1- (800) 588-1817.
All beans are healthy and satisfying! Below is a listing of just some of the reasons you need to add a dish to your meals.
Most of the restaurants in the area serve beans in some form or fashion. However, if you're looking for a plate of southern fixins, below is a list of where to go to find some really tasty dishes!