A great classic dish, baked beans are simple to make and can be enjoyed as a side or a main. They are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and can be made to be as healthy or indulgent as you like. This recipe is for a classic baked beans dish, but there are many potential changes and improvements that can be made to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 can (400g) of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 an onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
In a baking dish or casserole, combine the beans, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many potential changes and improvements that can be made to this recipe. For a healthier dish, you could use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans, and swap out the sugar for a sugar-free alternative. For a more indulgent dish, you could add some bacon or sausage to the beans, or use a full-fat canned beans. You could also add some cheese on top of the dish for the last few minutes of baking.
What other food it works well with
Baked beans go great with many other dishes. They are often served with eggs as a classic breakfast dish, but can also be enjoyed as a side with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They can also be used as a topping for burgers or hot dogs, or even just enjoyed on their own.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making baked beans is to not drain and rinse the canned beans. This can add unnecessary sodium and calories to the dish. Another common mistake is to use too much sugar, which can make the dish too sweet. If using a sweetened BBQ sauce, be sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is high in protein and fiber, and low in fat and calories. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Allergens
This recipe does not contain any common allergens.