This classic Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans recipe is made with soaked dried beans, savory pancetta or bacon, and a rich, sweet, and tangy tomato sauce infused with muscovado sugar and cider vinegar. This recipe creates a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that is far superior to canned versions. It’s perfect for a traditional breakfast or brunch, a cozy side dish, or even as a main course on toast, and is generous enough to serve 8 people.
Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Ingredients
- 400g dried haricot or cannellini beans
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 red onions, finely chopped
- 150g pancetta or smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
- 3 tbsp cider vinegar
How To Make Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans
- Soak the beans: Place the dried beans in a large bowl, cover with plenty of cold water, and let them soak overnight. The next day, drain the beans, rinse them well, and place them in a large pan. Cover them with fresh water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Drain well and set them aside.
- Sauté the aromatics and meat: While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onions and pancetta (or bacon) and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the meat is golden brown and starting to crisp. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Add the can of chopped tomatoes, dark muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Combine and simmer: Tip the cooked beans into the sauce mixture. Add 400ml of water and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 1½-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the beans are very tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more water.
- Serve: Season the baked beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, on their own or with your favorite breakfast items.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip soaking: Soaking the dried beans overnight is essential for them to cook evenly and become tender. This also helps reduce cooking time significantly.
- Make it your own: This recipe is a great starting point. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika.
- Batch cooking is great: This recipe makes a large batch, which is perfect for freezing. Let the beans cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
- Adjust sweetness and tang: The amount of muscovado sugar and cider vinegar can be adjusted to your taste. Start with the recipe’s measurements and add more of each at the end of cooking until the flavor is just right.
What To Serve Homemade Baked Beans
These homemade baked beans are a classic part of a full English breakfast, served alongside sausages, bacon, fried eggs, and grilled tomatoes. They also taste incredible on a slice of hot, buttered toast. For a more modern twist, you can serve them as a side with roasted meats or barbecue.
How To Store Homemade Baked Beans Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the baked beans cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Total Fat: 9.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 14.6g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Yes, you can. You can skip the soaking and initial simmering step. Use two (400g) cans of haricot or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, and add them directly to the sauce in step 4. This will significantly reduce the total cooking time.
- Why is muscovado sugar used? Dark muscovado sugar has a rich, deep flavor with hints of toffee that a regular sugar doesn’t have. It provides a more complex sweetness that is key to the authentic taste of this recipe.
- Can I make a vegetarian version? Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian. Simply omit the pancetta or bacon. To add some savory depth, you can use a bit of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Homemade Baked Beans are a delicious and comforting classic. Dried haricot beans are simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bacon, with a touch of muscovado sugar and cider vinegar for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak and cook beans: Soak beans overnight, then drain and simmer until tender (45-60 min).
- Sauté aromatics: In a pot, cook onions and pancetta in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Make sauce: Stir in chopped tomatoes, muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar.
- Combine and simmer: Add cooked beans and 400ml water. Simmer for 1½-2 hours until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Season to taste and serve hot.
