Baked beans are a tried-and-true staple in most British kitchens.
Do you need something to go on top of your baked potato? Sorted. A side dish to go with your chicken nuggets? No worries. And, of course, baked beans on toast, a gastronomic classic.
This scrumptious supper may appear to be simple to prepare, but it is not. Heinz has revealed the ultimate recipe for beans on toast, and it turns out that most of us were doing it incorrectly.
Making the Perfect Beans on Toast
Step 1: According to the experts, the first step lies in the bread: ideally, you want two (or one, depending on how hungry you are) slices of white farmhouse loaf bread. Then you need to spread your butter evenly – right up to the crust.
Step 2: Store your can upside down. Shake it for five seconds before opening it to ensure an even bean-to-sauce distribution. There’s arguably nothing worse than opening the tin to an entourage of bean juice, particularly if you’re short on time and need to microwave it.
Step 3: Warm the beans on the hob for three to four minutes, stirring constantly. None of this microwave business. The key tip here: do not boil the beans. This, according to the experts, ‘can cause the sauce to split, potentially ruining the colour and flavour.’
Step 4: Nail the temperature: If you’re wanting to go the extra step, you’ll want to heat them to 64C for instant eating temperature. If you need time to finalise your toast, it’s 75C.
Step 5: Finally, you want to place the toast on your plate and pour on the delicious goods, grating cheese on top and allowing it to melt for two minutes before eating.
Et voilà.
Storing your beans at room temperature (Heinz recommends 18C) can further enhance your experience, and putting them to a cold stainless-steel pan will assist to maintain the flavour, according to Heinz.
Almost half of British people eat baked beans once a week, and beans on toast is one of the most popular foods in the country, according to YouGov research. Many people put their own touch on it, too, with harissa paste, curry powder, and butter all often used in the pan.
‘Beans on toast are a cornerstone of British cuisine but people still get it wrong or are unsure how to make it,’ said Paul ‘Beanz Expert’ at Heinz.
‘The only way to eat your beans is in a quintessentially British manner’, etiquette expert William Hanson added.
‘Consulting Heinz, the expert voice on baked beans, on proper etiquette will ensure British households can eat this simple yet heritage dish in the way it was supposed to be enjoyed. Your dinner guests will thank me.’
