Beans on Toast Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic for Every Meal
Beans on Toast is a beloved dish that transcends the typical notion of a simple breakfast. It is more than just a morning meal—it is a versatile combination of baked beans and warm toasted bread that can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a late-night snack, a light supper, or even a quick midday bite. With the addition of a gooey fried or poached egg on top, this dish becomes an even more satisfying comfort food. Perfect for those busy mornings or when you’re in need of something simple yet delicious, Beans on Toast is truly an unbeatable choice for any time of the day.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients Table:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry beans | 1 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, chopped |
| Onions | 2, chopped |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper or red chilli powder | 1-1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 2 to 3 cups |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnish |
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 4 slices |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 120 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beans on Toast
-
Soak the Beans: Start by soaking the dry beans overnight, or for about 10 to 12 hours. This will help soften the beans and cut down on the cooking time.
-
-
Rinse the Beans: After soaking, drain the beans using a colander and rinse them under fresh cold water to remove any excess starch.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan. Add the chopped garlic and onions, cooking them gently over medium heat until they become soft and translucent.
-
Cook the Tomato Puree: Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for several minutes until the puree thickens and deepens in color.
-
Add the Spices: To the pan, add the cumin powder, cayenne pepper (or red chilli powder), and a pinch of salt. Stir briefly to ensure that the spices mix well into the sauce.
-
Sauté the Beans: Add the soaked beans to the pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
-
Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Let the beans cook for about 45 minutes to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if necessary to prevent the pan from drying out.
-
Sweeten the Beans: Once the beans are fully cooked and tender, stir in the brown sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and mix thoroughly to incorporate the sugar.
-
Bake the Beans: Transfer the cooked beans to a baking dish and cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake the beans in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about one hour. Check for doneness, and if necessary, bake for additional time until the beans have absorbed the flavors and have become tender.
-
Toast the Bread: While the beans are baking, toast the slices of whole wheat brown bread until golden and crisp. You can also lightly butter the bread for added richness.
-
Serve: Once the beans are ready, take them out of the oven and serve them hot on the toasted bread. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Gluten due to the use of whole wheat brown bread.
- May contain traces of nuts or other allergens if cross-contamination occurs in the preparation process.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no animal products.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe does not include any dairy ingredients.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan variation, omit any butter or egg toppings.
Helpful Tips & Advice:
- Beans: You can use any type of dry beans you prefer, but kidney beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans work particularly well for this recipe.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your preference. If you prefer your beans less sweet, you can reduce the sugar or omit it entirely.
- Consistency: If the beans seem too watery after cooking, you can increase the cooking time to allow the liquid to reduce, or you can use a masher to slightly mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
- Bread: While whole wheat brown bread is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with white bread, sourdough, or any other bread of your choice for different flavors and textures.
- Egg Topping: If you’re adding an egg, consider frying or poaching it for a creamy, gooey addition to the dish.
Conclusion:
Beans on Toast is a wonderfully satisfying and simple meal that can be made quickly, yet offers complex and hearty flavors. It’s the perfect comfort food for any time of the day, and its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit personal tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a light dinner, or a late-night snack, this dish offers a fulfilling and nutritious option that will never disappoint. Pair it with your favorite smoothie or a cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself a delightful and nourishing meal. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of Beans on Toast—a classic for any occasion!
