Healthy and Hearty Home-Made Baked Beans

I have so many memories of being curled up on a cold Wintery night or after a long day out as a child with hot baked beans and freshly buttered toast.
It is such a comforting meal and full of protein and fibre.
While tinned baked beans may have there place it is the lovely, delicious and so nutritious home-made varieties that really shine for me.
After quite a few attempts, versions and tweaks this recipe for home-made beans has become my family's favourite version!

Hearty and Healthy Baked Beans

This recipe makes a large batch to feed a family or to give you leftovers - feel free to make a smaller amount 

Ingredients

• 3 x tins organic cannelloni beans OR soak the equivalent in water overnight and then cook until tender.
• 1 onion, chopped (if you have young kids/toddlers chop it finely so they don't notice it)
• 6 large cloves of Australian garlic, finely chopped
• 1 stalk of thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tin of organic chopped tomatoes
• 1 large bottle of organic tomato passata sauce
•  1 teaspoon of a great mustard ( I use a lovely local macadamia mustard made where I live)
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 
• 1/2 cup good virgin olive oil
• 1/2 litre vegetable stock ( I use either Campbells or Massel)
• 2 teaspoons of a nice but mild curry powder ( I promise the kids wont notice!)
• 4-6 semi dried tomatoes chopped 
• 2 tablespoons or raw honey OR for a vegan version natvia, agave etc (to taste)
• dash pink Himalayan salt
• fresh crusty wholemeal bread with organic butter and some freshly chopped parsley to serve!

Method

• Fry the onion and garlic in a little of the olive oil until they are transparent.
• Add in the drained and washed cannelloni beans and thyme, stir together until mixed well.
• Pour in the tinned tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, stock, passata sauce, remaining oil and sweetner, mix well.
• Simmer the bean mixture over a medium low heat slowly for at least 25 minutes or until it has thickened, beans are tender and flavours are to your liking.
•  Serve.

Notes

• These beans go really lovely with a nice dense sour dough bread.
• Make a large batch so you have leftovers, great in pies!
• Add some chili for a different twist

Toddler Tips

• Serve with toddler soldiers, (long thin pieces of toast) or on top of a baked potato.
• Optionally leave out the onion