Homemade baked beans

We are huge fans of Heinz baked beans here at PSGC towers - there is something about that sweet processed tomato sauce that appeals to my lowly roots...but sometimes even I want a slightly healthier / more adult version.

(Note the kids visibly wince when I say things like healthy version!).



Despite what my kids will tell you, this is a really tasty alternative.  Its taken from a recipe from Tom Kerridge (The Hand and Flowers pub) that was in one of the Sunday papers that I scribbled down on an envelope a while back...I lost the envelope, and this is roughly what I could remember, and have adapted over time.

These beans are fab with baked ham or bbq ribs, and definitely a few beers.


Ingredients:
1 tin of haricot beans (or dried, soaked over night)
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
large squirt of tomato puree
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
2 teaspoon of brown sugar
1 table spoon of dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon each of dried marjoram and basil
Large pinch of salt and pepper
Oil for sautéing
Boiled water

Chop the onion, and mince/crush the garlic.  Add a slug of olive oil, and soften over a low heat.  Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, herbs and seasoning.

Add the tomatoes and tomato puree and beans (drained).  Add boiled water ( about a cup), and bake in the oven 180 degrees for 45mins.   NB if using dried beans  - they will need to be baked for longer (until soft).