homestyle beans with smoky bacon and maple syrup

4 slices thick cut smoky bacon

1 onion

2 tbs oil

400g tin diced tomatoes

1 tbs brown sugar

4 tbs maple syrup 

2 tbs worchestershire sauce

4 x 400g  cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 bay leaf

salt and black pepper to season

4 tbs raw sugar

Heat oven to 160C.

Slice bacon thinly and finely dice onion.

In a large ovenproof cast iron dish, heat oil and sauté bacon and onion for 5 minutes. Add tinned tomatoes, brown sugar, maple syrup and worchestershire sauce. Stir well.

Add drained beans and bayleaf. Add two cups of water and season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with aluminium foil, place in oven and bake for 1 ½  hours. Remove foil and sprinkle over raw sugar. Continue to bake, uncovered for 30 minutes.

serves 6.