Getting bored of having the same old beans on toast? Feel like you need to spice up your cooking a little? Well, it’s a good job SCAN is on hand to help you improve your evening meals. Believe it or not, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to have something delicious to eat. Even the simplest of ingredients can be made tasty when you know how. For example, baked beans. Yes, you read it correctly – beans. Beans are not only cheap (25p for one can from ASDA) but they can be surprisingly tasty when combined with the right ingredients. Below I have gathered some recipes that are perfect for when you have spare cans of baked beans lying around. Try them out just for yourself, or treat your housemates to a delicious meal one weekend, letting them in on the secret of just how good baked beans can be!
Italian Baked Bean Bake
This is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for students as there are not many ingredients involved. You can throw this together within fifteen minutes, and then all you have to do is put it in the oven and wait for it to cook. This recipe guarantees a scrumptious meal and is something slightly different from your standard pasta bake.
Ingredients:
– 1 can baked beans
– 1 onion
– Italian herbs – basil, parsley and rosemary etc
– 50g pasta
– Any type of cheese
Method:
1. Put the pasta in a pan with some water and cook on the hob. Turn the oven on.
2. Chop onion into small pieces, grate cheese, open can of beans.
3. Put beans in a microwavable container, add onion, herbs and drained pasta. Microwave for 2 mins.
4. Pour the ingredients into an oven-proof dish and top with cheese. Place in oven for 10-15 mins so the cheese melts.
5. Eat!
Note:
If you wanted to make it more substantial you could slice some potato and boil it, then place it on top of the bean mixture, then add the cheese.
Baked Bean Chilli Nachos
Nachos are always a favourite, and with this recipe you can make them tastier than ever. This recipe is perfect for sharing in front of the TV one cold and wet evening, as it will definitely warm you up. If you’re not a fan of spice there is no reason why you can’t get rid of the chilli and just have the nachos with mince, beans and cheese.
Ingredients:
– Mince (optional)
– Baked beans
– Chilli powder (packet is easier, around 30p value brand)
– A packet of cheap nachos (value brand 60p)
– Peppers
– Cheese sauce (packet 30p)
– Grated cheese
Method:
1. Line an oven-proof dish with nachos scattered on the bottom.
2. Cook all your other ingredients in a pan. Add your chilli packet and a little water – allow to thicken.
3. Make the cheese sauce in a jug with water and a little milk.
4. Add your chilli mix on top of the nachos in the dish, scatter more nachos on top. Pour over cheese sauce. Sprinkle cheese.
5. If your chilli is already hot just grill the dish. If not then oven-bake.
Note: you could even add some jalapeño to the top for extra taste.
Easy Sausage and Bean Casserole
The classic mixture of sausage and beans comes to the forefront of this recipe, as they are combined in a casserole. A personal favourite of mine, this recipe promises to not only be full of flavour, but also to be substantial enough to fill you up for the rest of the evening.
Ingredients:
– 4-5 cooked sausages
– 15-20cm length chorizo sausage
– 2-3 cloves garlic
– 1 red or green pepper
– 1 tin of baked beans
– 1-2 teaspoons of tomato puree
– 1-2 teaspoons of paprika
– salt and pepper
– fresh parsley or coriander to garnish
Method:
- Cook the sausages in a pan and set aside.
- Fry garlic for 1-2 minutes over a low heat and then add in the sliced chorizo and pepper, continuing to cook for 5 minutes or until pepper begins to soften.
- Add the cooked sausage, can of beans, tomato puree and paprika, and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, making sure not to let the beans turn mushy.
- Season to taste and garnish with fresh parsley or coriander.
Serve immediately with baked potatoes, rice or crusty bread.
