Prepare to transform your ordinary bean dish into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Middle Eastern-inspired baked beans are not just a side dish – they're a gastronomic adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen. With a perfect blend of smoky paprika, rich tomato paste, and tender white beans, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g canned white beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 500ml vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned white beans thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring they are well-drained and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to enhance the depth of flavor and allow the spices to bloom.
- Add the drained white beans to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the onion and spice mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the beans are mostly covered. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F).
- Bake uncovered for approximately
- 5-2 hours, checking periodically and adding more stock if the beans appear too dry. The beans should become tender and the liquid should reduce and thicken.
- Remove from the oven and let the beans rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to further thicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot as a side dish or main course.
Tips
- Choose high-quality canned white beans and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic – allowing them to caramelize slowly builds deep, complex flavors.
- Use a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the baking process. The low and slow cooking method is crucial for developing rich, concentrated flavors.
- Check the beans periodically during baking and add more vegetable stock if they seem too dry to prevent sticking.
- Let the beans rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the beans.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of good quality olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
