Baked beans are a staple in many diets, but flavourful, homemade beans are a revelation, according to LYNN BAIN. Here she shares her recipe for a delicious side dish.
The first time I made my own baked beans it was a revelation. So much flavour, plus I could control the amount of additives such as sugar and salt. These homemade baked beans are now a nutritious and delicious regular side dish when my family is having a burger or barbecue.
Handy hack one: You can vary the beans used in your baked beans. Borlotti, butter beans and cannellini beans are all options.
Handy hack two: You can reduce the amount of sugar used in the following recipe until you get the level of sweetness in the baked beans that you like. I ponder that you can leave the sugar out completely.
Handy hack three: The amount of chilli powder can also be adjusted to the degree of spiciness (what my grandson calls “hottiness”) that you prefer.
Homestyle baked beans
INGREDIENTS
3 rashers bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 x 400g tins white cannellini beans, drained
½ cup ketchup
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
½ cup water
1 heaped tsp English mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp chilli powder
Freshly grated salt and black pepper (to taste)
Step 1: Warm a heavy-based pot over a medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and continue to heat for a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Add the onion and garlic to the bacon in the warm pot (the bacon adds all of the fat/oil needed).
Step 3: Continue to cook the mix of ingredients, stirring, until the onion has softened.
Step 4: Add the beans and tomatoes to the pot.
Step 5 : Add the ketchup and brown sugar. Stir well until combined.
Step 6: Add the liquids (water and Worcestershire sauce mixed together), as well as the mustard, chilli powder, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Bring the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, covered, for about an hour.
Step 8: Remove the lid from the pot and continue to simmer, allowing the liquid in the baked beans to reach a sauce-like consistency.
Step 9: The delicious side dish of baked beans accompanying a hamburger.