Baked beans are a staple British meal, whether on toast, a baked potato, or even with pasta. Originating in Peru, the food has become a firm favourite up and down the country due to its low cost, delicious taste, and ease of preparation. But what if you have been missing out on a genius secret this whole time?
Some consider baked beans perfect as they are, with any deviation regarded as unnecessary. However, some Brits have thrown caution to the wind and gone all-out, designing game-changer recipes.
The Secret Ingredient Revealed
One of those is Big Issue volunteer Nathan Truesdale, who came up with something a little out there. He explains: "Who does not love baked beans? Cheap, healthy, filling and delicious. I have been pimping my baked beans at home for years with paprika, pepper, onions, and that secret ingredient - Marmite. We got some great ingredients and when all the lovely pineapple appeared it was impossible to resist. Fruit in savoury can go so well, and the bursts of sweet, tropical juice really complement the smoky paprika in this recipe."
Nathan added: "We love to surprise and delight our guests, and this went down a storm. This recipe also works very well with cannellini beans or butter beans and makes healthy, very cheap meals for the week."
Ingredients You Will Need
- One large onion, diced
- Three teaspoons of garlic
- Three and a half teaspoons of smoked paprika
- Two and a half teaspoons of oregano
- Half a teaspoon of sage
- A tablespoon of tomato puree
- 300g tomato passata
- 12.5g Marmite
- One and a half teaspoons of ketchup
- Half a pineapple
- 800g tinned pinto beans
- Cooked rice
Step-by-Step Method
- In a large pan, sweat diced onions down in salt and oil before adding the garlic and frying until fragrant.
- Add the paprika, oregano, sage and tomato puree, frying for two minutes.
- Next add the passata, Marmite, and ketchup, stir and simmer on low.
- Dice the pineapple and flambee in a frying pan with oil before adding this to the sauce.
- Wash the beans thoroughly and drain, then add them to the sauce, warm through, and finally serve with rice.
This recipe offers a unique twist on a classic comfort food, combining smoky, sweet, and savoury flavours for an unforgettable meal.
