Growing up, baked beans were a staple in our house. They were the go-to comfort food for lazy Sunday mornings, served on toast or alongside a Sunday roast. The canned versions were easy and convenient, but nothing beats the flavor and richness of homemade baked beans. When I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s recipe, it felt like a whole new world opened up-his take on homemade beans was so much more than I ever expected. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary expert, even if you’re just starting out. The flavors, the depth, the texture-it’s all there. It’s a hands-on recipe that doesn’t take forever but feels like a slow-cooked meal.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make homemade baked beans from scratch, Jamie’s recipe is a great place to start. Let’s break it down.
Jamie Oliver’s Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Jamie’s approach to baked beans is different from the usual quick-and-easy recipes. Instead of using canned beans, he uses dried beans, which gives you control over the texture and flavor. The beans are soaked, simmered, and then combined with a smoky, tangy tomato sauce that elevates the dish. You don’t just get the usual sweetness you expect from baked beans-you get deep, savory, and umami-packed flavors that really stand out.
What makes this recipe so great is the versatility. You can tweak the ingredients and adjust the seasoning based on what you like, but the base of the recipe remains rich, comforting, and easy to follow.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start making these beans:
- Dried beans (Jamie suggests haricot beans, but you can use other varieties if needed)
- Olive oil – for sautéing and bringing in richness
- Yellow onion – diced finely for a subtle sweetness
- Garlic – minced or crushed to infuse the beans with deep flavor
- Smoked paprika – gives that signature smokiness
- Tomato purée – for the base of the sauce, which adds a natural sweetness
- Canned tomatoes – crushed for texture and richness
- Balsamic vinegar – adds acidity to balance the sweetness
- Maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors
- Fresh thyme – optional but adds earthiness
- Sea salt & black pepper – for seasoning, to taste
- Water – to cook the beans and create a smooth sauce
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Homemade Baked Beans
Making these baked beans is easy, but the key is in the timing and the layering of flavors. Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Soak The Beans
- First, rinse your dried beans and soak them in cold water overnight. This softens them and reduces cooking time.
- Alternatively, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans in water for about 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
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Prep The Veggies
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. You can use a food processor for speed if you want.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft and golden. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add The Smoked Paprika
- Stir in the smoked paprika and let it bloom for a minute. You’ll start to smell that smoky aroma, which is one of the key flavors in the dish.
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Build The Sauce
- Stir in the tomato purée, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Add the canned tomatoes and some water to help the beans cook. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Cook The Beans
- Add your soaked beans to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
- Bring it to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and check if the beans are tender. If needed, add more water along the way to ensure they don’t dry out.
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Adjust The Seasoning
- Taste the beans toward the end and adjust the seasoning if necessary-more salt, pepper, or even a little extra maple syrup if you want a sweeter profile.
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Serve
- Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful, they’re ready to be served. Enjoy them on toast, as a side dish, or even as the main event.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
- Beans: Beans are the heart of this recipe. They’re not just a source of protein-they’re rich in fiber, minerals like iron and potassium, and antioxidants. Soaking beans helps reduce their natural oligosaccharides, which can cause bloating.
- Smoked Paprika: The smoky flavor comes from drying peppers over oak fires. It’s a small addition that brings a huge amount of flavor. Smoky and sweet, it’s what gives these beans their depth.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide both sweetness and acidity. The canned tomatoes help create a chunky sauce, while the purée smooths everything out.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Vinegar balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and syrup with its tang. The acidity helps enhance the flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution. Cast-iron or enameled Dutch ovens work well for slow-cooking beans.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Beans take time to soften and absorb all those rich flavors. If you’re cooking them too quickly, they’ll end up with a harder texture.
- Freeze leftovers. Baked beans freeze incredibly well, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch and freeze some for later.
- Add some heat. If you like a bit of spice, throw in a pinch of chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili when you add the garlic.
- Make ahead. These beans get even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Make them in advance and let them sit in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Jamie’s recipe is already plant-based, but you can enhance the flavor with a splash of liquid smoke or roasted red pepper paste for an even smokier profile.
- Meat Lovers: For an added twist, consider frying some crispy bacon or pancetta and stirring it into the beans at the end. The salty, crispy bits add a lovely contrast to the soft beans.
- Add Veggies: You can throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted carrots for added texture and flavor.
- BBQ Style: If you’re craving a barbecue-inspired bean dish, add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the sauce mix, and throw in some grilled onions.
Final Words
Homemade baked beans are a simple, rewarding dish that brings a surprising amount of flavor with relatively few ingredients. Jamie Oliver’s recipe takes a classic comfort food and elevates it, making it feel like something more special than just a side dish. The balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy is something that’s hard to find in store-bought versions.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Homemade Baked Beans Recipe Different?
Jamie’s recipe uses fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and herbs for a rich, tangy flavor. It also adds a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Baked Beans Ahead Of Time?
Yes! The beans actually taste better after a few hours or even the next day as the flavors develop more.
What Type Of Beans Are Best For Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
You should use haricot beans or any small white beans. They cook nicely and absorb the sauce well.