Making your own smoky baked beans is so easy and spiking them with smoked paprika and chunks of smoky bacon makes them a taste sensation for dad on his day.

 

Serves 4-6

 

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

4 thick cut bacon rashers

2 cans beans, drained and rinsed– I use one pinto and one butterbeans

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp smoked paprika

Pinch chilli (optional, depends if dad likes a kick of chilli)

½ tsp sea salt + pepper

1- 1½ cups grated aged cheddar

Parsley to garnish

 

1. Saute onions in oil until softened. Add bacon chunks and cook until they release their fat and begin to crisp. Pour in beans and tomatoes and season with paprika, chilli (if using), salt and pepper.
2. Simmer beans for 30 minutes to let the flavour marry and deepen in richness.
3. Garnish with grated cheese and parsley and serve with buttered toast. Yum!

 

Nici’s notes:

• Like the mince, the beans can be cooked the night before and re-heated when ready to serve, just don’t over-stir or they’ll turn to mush.
• Add a fried egg.