Savory British Baked Beans
A cherished recipe from my cousin Shawn Michaels' pub that elevates the classic breakfast favorite. These Savory British Baked Beans are slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, providing a comforting dish perfect for any time of day. Traditionally enjoyed cold for breakfast with toast, this dish is truly versatile and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried white beans
4 ounces (Soaked overnight)
Small onion
1 (Peeled and pierced with cloves)
Cloves
4 (Used to pierce the onion)
Tomato paste
4 teaspoons (Divided)
Black peppercorns
6 (Whole)
Bay leaf
1 (Whole)
Fresh sage leaves
4 (Whole)
Large garlic cloves
6 (Peeled)
Canned chopped tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (Drained)
Tomato
1 (Diced, peeled, and deseeded)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Extra virgin olive oil
Optional (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried white beans in a large bowl or pan, covering them with cold water. Allow the beans to soak overnight to soften.
2
The next day, drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly. Transfer them to a large ovenproof pan or deep roasting tin, ensuring they are covered with fresh cold water.
3
Take the peeled onion and stick the cloves into it, then add this onion, along with 2 teaspoons of tomato paste, black peppercorns, bay leaf, sage leaves, whole garlic cloves, and the canned chopped tomatoes to the beans.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, then cover the pan and transfer it to a preheated oven set to 325°F (160°C). Bake for approximately 2-3 hours or until the beans are tender and soft.
5
Check the beans periodically during cooking, and if the mixture appears to dry out, lower the heat and add a splash of boiling water as needed.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf, cloves, and the onion. Stir in the diced fresh tomato and the remaining tomato paste, mixing well.
7
Return the pan to the oven and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Finally, season the baked beans to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, drizzle with fruity extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory British Baked Beans?
Savory British Baked Beans are a slow-cooked dish made with white beans, aromatic herbs, and spices, inspired by a traditional pub recipe.
How should I prepare the beans before cooking?
The dried white beans must be placed in a large bowl, covered with cold water, and allowed to soak overnight to soften.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is a cherished version from the pub owned by the creator's cousin, Shawn Michaels.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products.
Can vegetarians eat Savory British Baked Beans?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How long do the beans bake in total?
The beans bake for an initial 2-3 hours, followed by an additional 30 minutes after adding final ingredients.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 ounces of dried white beans.
How do I prepare the onion for this dish?
The small onion should be peeled and then pierced with four whole cloves.
When do I add the tomato paste?
Two teaspoons are added at the start of cooking, and the remaining two teaspoons are stirred in for the final 30 minutes of baking.
What aromatics are included in the bean mixture?
Aromatics include a clove-studded onion, black peppercorns, a bay leaf, fresh sage leaves, and whole garlic cloves.
Do I need to peel the fresh tomato?
Yes, the fresh tomato should be peeled, deseeded, and diced before being added to the beans.
What should I do if the beans look dry while baking?
If the mixture dries out, lower the heat and add a splash of boiling water as needed.
Are the canned tomatoes drained?
Yes, the 10-ounce can of chopped tomatoes should be drained before being added.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 6 large peeled garlic cloves.
Which herbs are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a bay leaf and 4 fresh sage leaves.
What items should be removed before the final stage of cooking?
Before the final 30 minutes, you must carefully remove the bay leaf, cloves, and the whole onion.
How are the beans typically served?
They are traditionally enjoyed cold for breakfast with toast, though they are versatile enough for any time of day.
Is oil used in this recipe?
Fruity extra virgin olive oil is an optional addition that can be drizzled over the beans before serving.
What kind of peppercorns are needed?
The recipe uses 6 whole black peppercorns.
Do I use fresh or dried sage?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 fresh sage leaves.
How much tomato paste is needed in total?
A total of 4 teaspoons of tomato paste is used, divided into two additions.
Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
The recipe starts on the stovetop to reach a boil but requires oven baking to achieve the slow-cooked texture.
What is the preparation for the cloves?
The 4 cloves are used to pierce the small onion before it is placed in the pan.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is rich in legumes.
What is the final seasoning step?
Once fully cooked, season the beans to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
A 10-ounce can of chopped tomatoes is used.
Should the beans be rinsed after soaking?
Yes, after soaking overnight, you should drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large ovenproof pan or a deep roasting tin is recommended.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for any time of day.