British Baked Beans

The moment I think of British Baked Beans, I’m transported back to lazy Sunday mornings spent with family. The aroma of simmering beans and rich tomato sauce wafting through the kitchen filled our home with warmth and comfort. Each bite took me back to simpler times, where breakfast could stretch into brunch, and laughter was the only thing needed to enjoy the moment. I can still hear my grandmother’s voice as she cheerfully reminded us to savor every spoonful, explaining how these humble beans can be a dish of great joy and satisfaction.

Ingredients Overview for British Baked Beans

The ingredients for British Baked Beans are simple yet rich in flavor. Each element plays a crucial role in building the dish’s character. The combination of fresh vegetables and pantry staples creates a delightful harmony that results in a wonderfully satisfying meal.

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – This oil brings a rich flavor and is ideal for sautéing our aromatics.
• ½ onion, finely minced – Adds a sweet yet savory base for our beans.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – The essence of flavor, making the dish aromatic and delicious.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Gives a concentrated burst of tomato flavor.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup – Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity.
• A pinch of dried thyme, optional – Offers a subtle earthy flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Infuses the dish with a smoky warmth.
• 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce, optional – Enhances the umami depth.
• 100 g pureed tomatoes or tomato passata – The base of our sauce, rich and tangy.
• 400 g cooked cannellini beans – The star of the show, providing protein and texture.
• sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.

Step by Step Guide for British Baked Beans

Making British Baked Beans is a joy that can elevate any mealtime. Each step is simple and allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Let’s dive into the process of turning these basic ingredients into a scrumptious dish.

1. First, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. As the oil warms up, it will start to shimmer slightly. Add the minced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir often, letting these two ingredients mingle until they soften and become translucent, which should take about five minutes. This creates a beautiful aromatic base.
2. Next, it’s time to add the tomato paste. Stir it into the onions and garlic, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. Following that, add the maple syrup, dried thyme (if using), smoked paprika, and the vegan Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it). Watch as the colors deepen and the aromas fill your kitchen, then stir well and let it cook for an additional two minutes.
3. Now, add the pureed tomatoes or tomato passata to the mixture, stirring until well combined. The sauce should start to thicken slightly. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together for a couple of minutes.
4. After that, it’s time to introduce the star of the dish: the cooked cannellini beans. Gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring each bean is well-coated. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for eight minutes while stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce thickening even more, creating a luscious coating over the beans.
5. Finally, season the dish to taste with sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors, then remove the pan from the heat. Your British Baked Beans are now ready to be served!

Customization Ideas

British Baked Beans are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to put your own spin on this classic dish. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: Divide leftover baked beans into portions and store them in airtight containers. They will freeze well for up to one month; simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Vegetable boost: Include more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
• Herbal twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a refreshing touch.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving British Baked Beans, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination! Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your meal:

• On Toast: Serve them over thick slices of buttered toast for a classic breakfast delight.
• With Eggs: Pair your baked beans with poached or scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch.
• Baked Potatoes: Spoon them over fluffy baked potatoes for a filling and satisfying dinner.
• As a Side: They make a perfect side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a light salad.
• For Gatherings: Bring them to potlucks or family gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
• With Coriander: Add fresh coriander as a topping for an aromatic finish before serving.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, British Baked Beans embody warmth and comfort in every spoonful. They are not just a dish but a delightful experience that brings back cherished memories. I encourage you to try making them at home; you won’t be disappointed. This dish has a way of brightening even the dullest of days, making it a must-try for everyone.

British Baked Beans

The ultimate comfort food, British Baked Beans are easy to make and packed with flavor. Bursting with sweet and savory notes, this dish is a satisfying addition to any meal. Make it tonight for a delightful experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine British

Servings 4 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ onion onion finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• A pinch dried thyme optional
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce optional
• 100 g pureed tomatoes or tomato passata
• 400 g cooked cannellini beans
• to taste sea salt
• to taste freshly-cracked black pepper

Instructions

 

• Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until they’re soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste followed by the maple syrup, dried thyme, smoked paprika, vegan Worcestershire sauce (if using), and pureed tomatoes. Stir well and cook for a further 2 minutes.
• Add the cooked cannellini beans into the saucepan and simmer for 8 minutes over low heat, stirring every now and then, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
• Season to taste with sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. Stir gently, remove the pan from the heat, and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Divide leftover baked beans into portions and store them in airtight containers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat for 5 minutes or until hot.

Keyword British Baked Beans recipe, comfort food recipes, easy baked beans, vegetarian baked beans

Previous PostWaffle of Insane Greatness

Next Post Lemon Curd

Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!