Marcus Bean's baked bean recipes
Beanz Meanz… Health? Not quite the slogan you remember, but perhaps a British favourite should have a PR update after the humble baked bean was hailed as a superfood in your store cupboard. Who else but Marcus Bean to pimp up our beans!
Baked Bean Dahl
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Oil for frying50g clarified butter or ghee4 cloves garlic finely sliced1 medium red chilli finely diced1 tsp cumin seeds2 tins baked beans150-200ml vegetable stockThumb sized piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated1 tsp garam masala1 tsp ground turmeric1 tsp ground cumin½ tsp dark brown sugar
To serve:3-4 tbsp freshly chopped corianderChilli oil
Method
1. Start with a medium sized saucepan, add in a little oil and the clarified butter. Add the sliced garlic, diced chilli and cumin seeds. Cook for a couple of minutes.
2. Add in the baked beans, vegetable stock, grated ginger, garam masala, ground turmeric, ground cumin and dark brown sugar. Leave the chopped coriander to garnish.
3. Let everything cook together for 5-10 minutes on a medium heat, gently give the beans a bit of a squash with a potato masher or a spoon crushing the beans against the side of the pan to break them up.
4. Cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the mix has reduced slightly.
5. Check the seasoning, add salt and pepper then when ready to serve garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a drizzle of chilli oil.
Smokey Baked Beans
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Oil for Frying2 rashers smoked streaky bacon finely chopped (optional)1 medium onion finely chopped3 cloves garlic finely chopped1 tbsp dark brown sugar½ tsp chipotle paste1 tbsp apple cider vinegar2 tins baked beans1 tbsp smoked paprika1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce or Henderson’s relish1 tbsp brown sauce1 tbsp ketchup½ tsp English mustardSalt and pepper to taste
Method
1. In a saucepan, add some oil and fry off the chopped bacon, onion, and garlic for 3-4 minutes on a medium heat.
2. Once softened, add the dark brown sugar, chipotle paste, apple cider vinegar and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add the remaining ingredients; 2 tins of baked beans, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sauce, ketchup and English mustard. Stir together and allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes until the desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Loaded Nacho Beans
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Oil for Frying1 medium onion finely diced3 cloves garlic finely chopped1 red pepper finely chopped2 tins baked beans1 tsp tomato puree1 tsp ground cumin½ tsp chilli powder1 tsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp smoked paprikaTortilla chipsGrated mature Cheddar
To garnish:Avocado guacamoleSour creamCoriander
Method
1. Pour a small amount of oil into a pan. Add the diced onion, chopped garlic and red pepper and cook down for 5-6 minutes.
2. Add in the baked beans, tomato puree, ground cumin, chilli powder, balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika. Stir together and cook gently for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. To serve, place the tortilla chips on a large ovenproof baking dish, cover with the beans, top with grated mature Cheddar and bake in the oven or pop under the grill until the cheese has melted and looks golden.
4. Serve with guacamole, sour cream and garnish with coriander.