Baked beans, a staple of British cuisine often served on jacket potatoes or alongside a full English breakfast, can be made even more savoury with the addition of a single simple spice: smoked paprika.
This versatile dish already lends itself to various flavourings, from Worcestershire sauce to garlic powder, but the go-to addition of smoked paprika delivers a smoky depth that transforms the beans into what feels like an entirely new dish.
What makes smoked paprika special
Smoked paprika is made from ripe red peppers that are slowly roasted over several days and smoked above an oak fire. They are then dried and ground into a fine powder, which imparts a rich smokiness to any dish.
In baked beans, it brings out the best in the tomato sauce. Combined with a pinch of salt and pepper, it can lift the humble baked bean from ordinary to outstanding.
How to season baked beans
To try this at home, you will need one tin of baked beans, one tablespoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
Over a medium heat, add the tinned baked beans to a saucepan. Add the smoked paprika and stir thoroughly to combine. Heat the beans until they are just bubbling, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot over toast, a jacket potato, or simply straight from the bowl.
