A curious feature of British baked beans is that they don\u2019t contain the pork, bacon or ham you\u2019ll often find in baked beans<\/a> closer to home. Yet these British beans are still a national classic and essential for a Full English breakfast. Their sweet, tangy sauce brings everything together.<\/p>\n
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for four to five minutes until soft and a little crispy. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stir and fry one minute longer.<\/p>\n
Stir in the navy beans, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is thick.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/i> The sugars in British baked beans can scorch easily so make sure to stir continuously while simmering.<\/p>\n
You can refrigerate British baked beans in an airtight container for three to five days. Make sure it\u2019s covered so that the sauce doesn\u2019t develop a skin. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.<\/p>\n
Beans are such an affordable and available item that you don\u2019t really need to stockpile them for later. But if you do want to freeze them, store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n
British beans are usually a breakfast item<\/a> but can be a quick afternoon snack. Serve the beans on toast, use as the filling in a toasted sandwich or baked potato or serve on the side of some spicy sausage links.<\/p>\n
Heinz use navy\/haricot beans<\/a> in their iconic British baked beans but you can substitute them with any small and soft white beans. If you like a tougher skin rather than beans that turn creamy, experiment with kidney or black beans.<\/p>\n
Some people find that they can\u2019t get the texture with canned beans, so if you\u2019re working with dry beans<\/a> you\u2019ll need to soak them overnight, drain and simmer in freshwater for 1-1\/2 hours, removing the foam at regular intervals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"