Baked beans are a classic family favourite, loved for their rich flavour and comforting texture. While store-bought varieties are convenient, making your own baked beans can be a rewarding experience, especially when you add a nutritious twist to the recipe.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious baked beans using cannellini beans and chickpeas in a flavourful tomato-based sauce. Not only are these homemade baked beans a healthier alternative to canned versions, but they’re also a great way to introduce different beans to your child’s diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red capsicum, diced (you can substitute for jarred capsicum)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch of your chosen herb – I like thyme or rosemary
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the paprika, ground cumin, and chosen herb, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the cannellini beans and chickpeas to the pan, stirring to coat them in the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the pan and simmer the baked beans for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the beans are heated through.
7. Serve the baked beans warm, either on their own or as a side dish. They can be enjoyed on toast, with baked potatoes, or as a topping for jacket potatoes.

Why Homemade Baked Beans?

Making your own baked beans allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your child gets a nutritious meal. Cannellini beans and chickpeas are both excellent sources of protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to a child’s diet.

By using a tomato-based sauce, you can avoid the high sugar content often found in canned baked beans, making this homemade version a healthier choice for your family. Plus, the addition of different spices and herbs adds depth of flavour that will appeal to both kids and adults alike.

So why not try making your own baked beans at home? Not only is it a fun and rewarding cooking project, but it’s also a delicious way to introduce new flavours and ingredients to your child’s diet.