Ketchup ‘Baked’ Legumes

Ketchup ‘Baked’ Legumes

I’ve never been a fan of baked beans out of a can. These ketchup beans are a whole other story. The onion, the paprika & the sweet sweet ketchup combine to make a dish you’d swear had been ‘baking’ for hours.

per person
1 tablespoon butter, optional
1/2 aromatic vegetable, chopped
1/2 can legumes, drained
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon spice, optional

1. Heat a medium fry pan on a medium heat. Add butter and aromatic veg and cook for 5-10 minutes until the veg is soft and lightly golden.

2. Add legumes, ketchup and spice.

3. Stir and simmer for a couple of minutes to make sure everything is hot. Taste & season.

Variations

butter alternative – any oil you normally cook with.

aromatic veg – onions are my favourite but celery or carrots would be good instead..

legumes – I’ve used cannellini beans in the photo but any canned or cooked legume will work. Try butter beans, borlotti beans, black beans, chickpeas or lentils.

no ketchup? – I really recommend getting a small bottle to try with this dish. I’m not really a big ketchup fan but I adore these legumes..Otherwise try tomato paste and a big pinch or three of brown sugar. A good BBQ sauce will also work.

spice – first choice smoked paprika. Next choice other paprika, dried chilli (you may like to reduce the quantity if really hot). Coriander seed or cumin would be interesting. And curry powder would work if you’re in the mood for a cury.

higher protein – preheat the oven to 180C (350F) while the onion cooks. When the legumes are done, make a small well in the middle and crack and egg into it. Bake for about 10 minutes or until egg whites are set and yolks still runny.

Leftover Potential?

Brilliant! Reheats really well. Also freezes well. Should keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Problem Solving Guide

too bland – season with salt & pepper. A little more smoked paprika or ketchup may help.

too dry – add a little water or a little more ketchup.

too sweet – next time try a different brand of ketchup, for now add a little more salt or some soy sauce to season.

legumes falling apart – sounds like they were overcooked to begin with. Make sure you only heat for long enough to warm everything through once the legumes go in.

Serving Suggestions

Lovely straight up or with a side of shredded kale or baby spinach. Also good with hot buttered toast.

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