Brit Baked Beans Recipe 🇬🇧

Introduction:

This Brit Baked Beans recipe is a delightful British twist on the classic baked beans, featuring a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Unlike the traditional molasses-flavored Boston baked beans, these beans offer a vibrant and savory flavor profile that’s perfect for cozy winter nights or any weeknight meal. This recipe, generously shared by Lisa, has been meticulously tested to ensure a satisfying outcome. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey together and create a comforting dish that will surely become a favorite at your table!

Preparation Time: 3 hours
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: Varies

Ingredients:

• 200g dried beans (your choice, such as navy beans or cannellini beans)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 leek, sliced
• 75g unsalted butter
• 650g canned tomatoes, with juices
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 125ml olive oil
• 25ml sherry wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 2 cloves
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste)
• 10 saffron strands
• Zest of 1 lemon

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 473.3
• Fat: 43.1g
• Saturated Fat: 13.5g
• Cholesterol: 40.3mg
• Sodium: 105.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 22.4g
• Fiber: 5.2g
• Sugar: 10.8g
• Protein: 3.6g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans:

   • Soak the dried beans overnight in cold water to soften them.
   • The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot.
   • Fill the pot with fresh water, covering the beans completely.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beans for approximately two hours until they are tender. You can use the same water used for soaking.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • While the beans are cooking, prepare the flavorful tomato sauce.
   • In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over low heat.
   • Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
   • Sweat the vegetables and spices for about 10 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, chopped onion, minced garlic, sherry wine vinegar, dried parsley, dried thyme, celery seeds, bay leaves, cloves, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and lemon zest.
   • Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then let the sauce simmer over very low heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken into a rich, jam-like consistency.
   • Halfway through cooking, add the saffron strands to infuse their unique flavor into the sauce.

3. Prepare the Baked Beans:

   • Once the tomato sauce is ready, preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius (340 degrees Fahrenheit).
   • Using a blender or food processor, carefully puree the tomato sauce until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the tomato-infused oil that may have separated during cooking, along with a touch of water, to achieve the desired consistency.
   • The puree should be thick enough to generously coat the cooked beans, with a creamy texture.
   • Transfer the cooked beans into a large ovenproof dish, then pour the tomato puree over them, ensuring that all the beans are evenly coated.
   • Add any additional ingredients, such as smoked bacon, chorizo, or sausage, if desired, to enhance the flavor of the beans.
   • Season the beans generously with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Bake the Beans:

   • Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture inside.
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the beans for approximately three hours, or until they are tender and infused with the rich flavors of the tomato sauce.
   • Feel free to check on the beans occasionally and stir gently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
   • Once the beans are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • These delicious Brit Baked Beans can be enjoyed hot as a comforting main dish or served as a hearty side to accompany your favorite meals.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a vibrant finishing touch.
   • Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks, or preserved for even longer shelf life by canning them in sterilized jars.

Final Thoughts:

With its robust flavors and hearty texture, this Brit Baked Beans recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal on a chilly winter evening or a satisfying dish for a weeknight dinner, these baked beans offer a delicious taste of British cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the slow cooking process, and savor every flavorful bite of this delightful dish. Cheers to good food and happy cooking! 🍽️🇬🇧