Bruinbonen (brown beans in molasses, Curaçao)

Instructions

1. Soak the beans in cold water overnight, then drain them.
2. Cook the beans in water with the bay leaf and cinnamon for 1 hour, until they start to soften.
3. Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a pan until crispy, then add the sliced onion and let it brown.
4. Drain half of the beans and add them to the pan with the bacon and onion.
5. Roughly mash this mixture, then tip it back into the pot with the remaining beans.
6. Add the molasses, vinegar and spices, then simmer gently for 20 minutes, until you have a thick, brown sauce.
7. Remove the cinnamon and bay leaf, adjust the salt and serve.