Proper Pubstyle Baked Beans Better Than the Can
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something hearty and comforting? Do you find yourself dreaming of the perfect side to your Full English ? This baked beans dishes recipe is for you, then! Honestly, forget the tinned stuff.
This is a game changer. It's better than that can!
Quick Hook: The Baked Bean Revelation
Fancy some proper pub style baked beans that taste like they've been simmering for days? These baked beans dishes recipe deliver a smoky sweet flavor bomb that's totally irresistible.
This homemade version is miles above those watery supermarket beans.
Brief Overview: Bean There, Done That (The Right Way)
Baked beans have a long and storied history. Traditional baked beans is a staple of both British and American cuisine.
Our version is a medium difficulty recipe. It requires a little planning due to the overnight bean soak, but it's mostly hands off.
The recipe yields 6-8 servings and takes about 3- 4 hours, plus soaking time. It's worth every minute.
Main Benefits: Goodness in Every Bite
These aren't just tasty, they're relatively healthy too. With plenty of fibre and protein, smoky baked beans is a surprisingly nutritious dish.
It's ideal for summer barbecues, lazy weekend breakfasts, or even spooned over a baked beans jacket potato . Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the deep, rich flavor achieved through slow cooking and that secret ingredient: proper love!
Okay, let's get this baked bean boogie on!
Ready to get started?
Right, before we start, let's look at these beautiful beans. Proper pub style baked beans start with dried navy beans, so soaking is vital.
Don't skip this step! Trust me, it makes a world of difference. We'll need about 450g of them. Then a large onion, some garlic, bacon (plenty of it!).
I recommend 225g. Also ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt and pepper. That's all we need.
Remember, with this baked beans dishes recipe , your baked beans full english game will be on point!
So, are you ready to experience the best baked beans recipe this side of the Atlantic? Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Weapon for Baked Beans Dishes Recipe Success!
Okay, let's get this baked bean boogie on! Ever wonder why some homemade baked beans recipe are just meh , and others have you licking the bowl? It's all about the ingredients and having the right gear.
Trust me, I've had my fair share of baked bean disasters. We are talking proper pub style baked beans !
Main Ingredients: The Bean Dream Team!
- Dried Navy Beans: 1 pound (450g). Quality indicator? They should look clean and uniform in color. Older beans take longer to cook. You can also use Great Northern beans , which are good as navy bean substitute .
- Water: 8 cups (1.9L). For soaking the beans. Don't skimp!
- Yellow Onion: 1 large (approx. 1 cup, chopped).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
- Bacon: 8 ounces (225g), diced. Go for a good quality, smoky bacon. It really adds to the flavour.
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml).
- Molasses: 1/4 cup (60ml). This is key for that deep, rich flavor. If you don't have molasses, use maple syrup.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g), packed. Light or dark, your call.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Don't skip this!
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Adds a beautiful smokiness.
- Dry Mustard Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Additional Water: 1/2 cup (120ml), or more as needed during baking.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up!
We're aiming for that smoky baked beans flavour, so don't be shy with the smoked paprika. The dry mustard powder adds a subtle zing.
Salt and pepper are your best friends. Don't be afraid to season generously. This is what makes the beans sing .
For a flavour enhancer, a tiny dash of liquid smoke does wonders, especially if you're making a vegetarian baked beans version.
If you are looking to make this recipe an easy baked bean variations then adding cayenne pepper gives them a kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot: This is essential. It needs to be oven safe!
- Colander: For rinsing those beans.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obviously.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping and dicing.
Honestly, you don't need fancy equipment for this best baked beans recipe . If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large pot that can go in the oven will do just fine.
Remember, even a baked beans barbecue side dish needs good tools! Now get to it so we can enjoy a baked beans full english !
Cooking Up a Storm: Slow Baking for "Proper Pub-Style Baked Beans"
Okay, let's get this baked bean boogie on! Honestly, I've had some shocking baked beans dishes recipe experiences. Like that time at a dodgy roadside cafe.
Enough said! But homemade? Now that's a different story. This recipe is all about that slow, flavour building process. The kind that fills your kitchen with amazing smells.
We're aiming for pub style baked beans that are miles better than anything you can get in a can!
Prep Steps: Setting the Stage
First, mise en place. Fancy French, right? It means get everything ready! Chop your onion, mince your garlic. Measure out your spices.
This will save you time later. Speaking of time, start soaking those navy beans the night before! At least 8 hours, people! Trust me, it makes a difference.
Slow Baking: The Heart of the Magic
- Drain and rinse those soaked navy beans .
- Fry the diced bacon in a big pot or Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon and save the fat, because bacon fat is life!
- Sauté the chopped onion in that delicious bacon fat for about 5 minutes , until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Chuck in the drained beans, bacon, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dry mustard powder . Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all up.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium low heat.
- Cover the pot and bake at 300° F ( 150° C) for 3- 4 hours . Until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Pro Tips: Nailing That Pub-Style Flavour
Don't skip the soaking step! It helps the beans cook evenly. Low and slow is key for developing that deep, smoky flavor.
Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness to your preference. Stir your slow cooked baked beans every hour or so to prevent sticking.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream. Now that's how you do baked beans full english style!
So there you have it, a proper homemade baked beans recipe for the ages!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Baked Beans Dishes Recipe
Okay, let's get this baked bean boogie on! Making the best homemade baked beans recipe isn't just about following steps.
It's about understanding the 'why' behind them. These little nuggets can take your pub style baked beans from good to "Oh my gosh, these are the best I've ever had!".
I've made my fair share of dodgy beans in my time and I learned a thing or two!
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Forget just dumping them on a plate! For a fancy touch, serve your smoky baked beans in ramekins. A sprinkle of fresh parsley always looks good.
If you're doing a baked beans full english , a neat little pile next to your eggs makes all the difference.
Think about what goes well with these beauts. Classic is a baked beans barbecue side dish . They also shine with a baked beans jacket potato .
Honestly, they're pretty fab on toast too! A pint of ale or a cold glass of lemonade washes it all down perfectly.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These traditional baked beans keep well. Let them cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they'll be grand for 3-4 days.
Want to freeze them? You can! Portion them out into freezer bags or containers. They'll last for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, gently heat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water if they've thickened up too much.
Playing Around: Easy Baked Bean Variations
Want to mix things up? No problem! If you're veggie, skip the bacon and add some smoked paprika. This gives a lovely smoky vibe.
For a bit of heat, chuck in a chopped chilli.
If you're short on time, use canned beans. Sauté some onion and garlic, then add the canned beans and the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Simmer for about 30 minutes. It's not quite the same as slow cooked baked beans , but it's still pretty tasty.
Nutrition Nuggets
These Proper Pub-Style Baked Beans (Better Than the Can!) are a good source of protein and fiber. Beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Each serving contains roughly 350 calories , 20g of protein, 15g of fat and 45g of carbohydrates. Remember that this is just an estimate, though!
Enjoying food is about balance. So, tuck in and enjoy these yummy beans!
So there you have it. All my secret notes to make these the best baked beans recipe ever! Now go forth and get your bake on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to soak the beans overnight for this baked beans dishes recipe? Is it really necessary?
Soaking the beans is crucial! Think of it like giving them a spa day before the main event. Soaking helps them cook more evenly and significantly reduces the overall cooking time. It also makes them easier to digest, preventing any unwanted "musical fruit" after effects.
You can also do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes then letting them sit for an hour, but overnight is preferable for this recipe.
Can I make this proper pub-style baked beans recipe vegetarian, and if so, how do I get that smoky flavour without the bacon?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. To get that lovely smoky depth, add a generous teaspoon of smoked paprika (more if you're a fiend for it!) and a dash (about 1/2 teaspoon) of liquid smoke. You could also use vegetable stock in place of some of the water for a richer flavour base.
Think of it as giving your beans a virtual BBQ!
Help! My baked beans are drying out in the oven. What should I do?
Don't panic! This is a common occurrence. Simply add a bit more water, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the beans are covered and the sauce is at your desired consistency. Stir them gently to redistribute the moisture and keep an eye on them.
You might also want to lower the oven temperature slightly if it's happening frequently.
Can I use canned baked beans to speed up this baked beans dishes recipe? I'm a bit short on time!
You certainly can! For a quicker version, sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then add your favorite canned baked beans (drained). Stir in the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
It won't have the same depth of flavour as the slow cooked version, but it's a great option when you're in a hurry perfect for a quick lunch.
How long will these baked beans keep, and what's the best way to store them?
Properly stored, these baked beans will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They also freeze really well! Let them cool completely, then portion them into freezer safe containers or bags. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Are baked beans healthy?
Homemade baked beans can be a part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of protein and fiber, thanks to the beans. However, keep in mind that they can also be high in sugar and salt, depending on the recipe.
You can adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your preferences and focus on using quality ingredients!
Proper Pubstyle Baked Beans Better Than The Can
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 45g |
