Monday 25 March 2013

Bean and bacon bake

I am currently experimenting with re-jigging a new recipe that sounds as though it might be a little bland. It is another one on a packet of dried butter beans and is a butter bean and bacon bake.

Overnight you need to soak 12oz of dried beans in enough cold water to cover them (they will swell enormously and may rise above the water so cover them well). Next morning change the water and cook until done. It suggests boiling for 10 mins which I didn't do as I believe it is only dried red kidney beans you need to do that for, then cook for another 25 – 30 until beans are tender. Drain and return to the pan.

In a frying pan cook 10oz diced smoked bacon until beginning to turn brown, then add one whole diced leek (my addition). I think you could probably use an onion instead of a leek. Continue to cook, adding a little oil if necessary until the leek is soft and the bacon brown. 
 
Add one can of chopped tomatoes - then one stock cube and lots of black pepper plus a teaspoon dried basil (my additions) - or parsley as the original recipe states. Stir this mix into the beans and put in the bottom of a dish.
The recipe is for 4 people so I have divided it above, between two enamel dishes as shown. The original recipe now suggests covering with breadcrumbs and splashing a little oil over the top.

However, I cooked 1lb 4oz of potatoes which were left to go cold then sliced and layered on the top. 
The potatoes were dotted with butter, salt and pepper and baked at 200 Celsius for 30 minutes.
We shared the one we baked and the other was put into the freezer for another day. It was quite nice and we both think we shall look forward to the other one where the flavour should be better still. As always with beans, there is the usual side effects which lasted the whole of the next day!

14 comments:

  1. I just love beans, and yes, my son knows very well of its side effect ;) This potato and beans combination bake sure sound delish ... I could try the recipe and bake it in the ramekin bowls that we just got.

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    1. For us, they are the best bean due to their creaminess. We do like black eyed beans in an Indian bean and mushroom recipe. Again though, it is best made the day before and reheated - too bland on the day.

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  2. I really like the look of this and am going to have a go using vegan bacon(!). Butter beans are probably my favourite and I love them straight out of a tin, cold xxx

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    1. I don't know if they really need any meat, just something in them that would add a kick. Didn't realise you could get vegan bacon!

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  3. Beans beans they go to the heart, the more you eat the more you ....,
    i remember that one from primary school a skipping chant. Still we love all thing beany, use quite a bit of garlic in with beans so will be trying this soon. I love getting recipes that use real ingredients from real pantries.

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    1. Can't beat a good bean, windy or not.

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  4. Oooh! they look gorgeous. Now I want to go out and buy myself a second enamel pie dish! I shall have to find another oven/freezer proof one instead [I must have a pyrex one somewhere that will do!]

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    1. Other than them repeating on us, it did taste nice and I do expect the 2nd one, once thawed, should have more flavour.

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  5. Butter beans are my favourite, yes, I know they are supposed to be the blandest but they absorb all flavours you add to them, and the texture is superb. I'm with you on the kidney bean thing - I don't think other beans need that extra fast boil. This sounds great - mushrooms would be a good addition, and I'd have to have garlic ......ooops! A completely new recipe recipe! But that's what it's all about, Isn't it?

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    1. I didn't have any garlic but would have added it as well. Yes, mushrooms would be good.

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  6. love beans!!!! your recipe sounds very good!
    greetings regina

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  7. Mmmm, I love those in a tomato sauce, cold, no problem. Do suffer from the beans brewing though. Oh well, nature!

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    1. Me too, 36 hours later and I am just about okay. DB hardly suffered!

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