Bruna Bönor
Swedish Sweet and Sour Brown Beans
A classic Swedish sweet and sour side dish made from tender brown beans, simmered in a rich syrup and vinegar sauce. Traditionally served with pork dishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Dried brown beans(Also known as 'gula bönor' or yellow beans in some contexts, but brown beans are traditional for this dish.)
- 2 liters Water(For soaking and cooking. You may need more during cooking.)
- 100 ml Dark syrup(Such as 'ljus sirap' (light syrup) or 'mörk sirap' (dark syrup). Dark syrup will give a richer flavor and color.)
- 3 tbsp White vinegar(Adjust to taste. A good quality white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste. Fine sea salt or kosher salt.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried brown beans thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 liters of cold water. Let them soak for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, at room temperature. The beans will swell significantly.
⏱️ 12-18 hours - 2
Drain the soaked beans and rinse them again. Place the beans in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Cover with fresh cold water, ensuring the beans are submerged by at least 2-3 cm (about 1 inch). Bring to a boil over high heat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently. Cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the beans are tender but still hold their shape. Check periodically and add more hot water if the beans become exposed. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial simmering.
⏱️ 2 hours - 4
Once the beans are tender, drain off most of the cooking liquid, leaving about 100-150 ml (about 1/2 cup) in the pot. Stir in the dark syrup, vinegar, and salt. Continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. The beans should be coated in a glossy sauce.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, syrup, or vinegar to achieve your desired sweet and sour balance. Serve warm as a traditional side dish, particularly with pork roast, meatballs, or fried pork.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use dark syrup ('mörk sirap').
- ✓Serve with traditional Swedish pork dishes like 'fläsklägg' (pork knuckle) or 'köttbullar' (meatballs).
- ✓This dish is an excellent accompaniment to hearty meals.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Increase the amount of dark syrup for a sweeter dish.
- Add a little more vinegar for a tangier flavor profile.
- A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can add an extra layer of warmth.