Baked beans are a quintessential dish at any cook-out, serving as a comforting and hearty side that complements grilled meats perfectly. While they may not always steal the spotlight, their absence would surely be felt. Whether served hot or at room temperature, baked beans can be transformed into something exciting with just a few simple tweaks. Here are three delicious ways to elevate this beloved classic.
- Bean Salad – Ingredients:
- 1 packet of green beans
- 1 can of baked beans
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 60ml chives, chopped (or salad onions)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 pinch salt and milled pepper
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
Method:
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water until just cooked but still crunchy. Refresh them in iced water to stop the cooking process.
- In a bowl, mix the baked beans, kidney beans, chives, mayonnaise, and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper, then gently toss in the blanched green beans. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side dish.
2. Baked Beans Winter Brekky – Ingredients:
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 4 bacon rashers, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 690g bottle tomato passata
- 400g can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 red chillies, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the onion and bacon in a small roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden.
- Add the crushed garlic and paprika, stirring to combine. Then mix in the maple syrup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, passata, and all the beans. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the beans are heated through and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the sliced chilies and coriander just before serving.
- Tavče Gravče** (Macedonian Baked Beans)
Serves: 6 – Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry white beans
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 onions, sliced
- 3 red onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 green chili peppers, finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 cup sunflower oil
- 2 bay leaves
- A few mint leaves
- ½ bunch cilantro
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Soak the beans in boiling water with baking soda for 6 hours, then wash and blanch them in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain.
- In a stew pot, sauté two garlic cloves in a quarter of the oil. Add a few slices of red and yellow peppers, half the paprika, and one chili pepper. Stir in the beans and a third of the chili powder, seasoning with salt. Cover with water and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat, then another 30 minutes on low heat.
- Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid. Set aside.
- In another pan, sauté the onions with salt, the remaining chili powder, and flour for 10 minutes.
- In a third pan, sauté the last two garlic cloves, remaining bell peppers, the rest of the paprika, and the second chili pepper for 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F).
- In an earthenware pot or glass baking dish, add a quarter of the oil. Layer the onion mixture, pepper mixture, and finally the beans. Pour over the reserved cooking liquid and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and mint. Cover and bake for three hours.
These three variations not only add flair to your baked beans but also cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring they become a highlight of your cookout. Enjoy.
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