Classic British comfort food, beans on potato cakes, is simple yet satisfying. Gordon Ramsay’s beans recipe elevates this classic dish with complexity and a dash of sophistication. Serving the homemade baked beans alongside the warm potato cakes creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is both nostalgic and gourmet in its execution.
Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
Baked Beans
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 4 slices Bacon or Pancetta diced into pieces
- 1 Red Chilli or Jalapeño Pepper, finely chopped
- 2 Fat Cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 Medium Red Onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dry Sherry or Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ cup Passata (strained tomatoes)
- 2 cups Cooked Navy (Haricot) Beans
Potato Cakes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly prepared)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (like cheddar or parmesan), optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter for frying
Instructions
Baked Beans
- Cook the Bacon: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon or Pancetta and cook until it gets crispy.
- Add Aromatics: To the pan, add the finely chopped chili or jalapeño pepper, crushed garlic, and finely diced red Onion. Cook until the Onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine Flavors: Stir in the brown sugar, dry sherry or cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
- Add Beans: Pour in the passata and add the cooked navy beans. Stir to combine everything well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are heated and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the spicy baked beans hot as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.
Potato Cakes
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, green onions, and grated cheese (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Cakes:
- Dust your hands with some flour and scoop portions of the potato mixture.
- Form them into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat the Pan:
- Heat a good amount of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough to coat the bottom of the pan lightly.
- Cook the Potato Cakes:
- Place the potato cakes in the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, ideally with baked beans topped with sour cream.
Video
Notes
What Can I Add to Baked Beans to Make Them Taste Better?
To enhance the flavor of baked beans, you can add a variety of ingredients, such as:
- Sweeteners: Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to add sweetness.
- Acids: Apple cider vinegar or mustard for a tangy kick.
- Fats: Bacon, chorizo, or smoked sausage for richness and smokiness.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, or shallots for depth of flavor.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for heat and complexity.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for an herbal note.
- Liquids: Beer, bourbon, or stock to deepen the overall taste profile.
What is the Sauce Made Of in Baked Beans?
The sauce in baked beans typically consists of a combination of ingredients that create a sweet, tangy, and sometimes smoky flavor. These ingredients often include:
- Tomato sauce or ketchup: For the tomato base and sweetness.
- Molasses or brown sugar: For a deep, rich sweetness and color.
- Vinegar or mustard: For tanginess and acidity.
- Spices and seasonings: These include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper for added flavor.
- Liquid smoke: Optionally, for a smoky taste.
- Water or stock: To thin the sauce to the desired consistency.
Which Bean is Used in Baked Beans?
The navy bean, or haricot beans, is the most commonly used in baked beans. Other varieties, such as Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans, can also be used.
Why Do You Put Vinegar in Baked Beans?
Vinegar is added to baked beans to provide a contrasting acidity that balances out the sweetness and richness of the dish. It helps to enhance the overall flavor profile and can cut through the heaviness, making the beans more palatable.
Summing Up
In the end, food should be pleasurable, honest, and above all, about embracing the vast array of flavors and techniques that make dining such a varied and adaptable part of life. With a twist on a timeless classic, these Gordon Ramsay’s Baked Beans dressed up but not overcomplicated achieve just that. They strike a delightful balance between the familiar comfort we crave and the excitement of something unexpected on our plate.
It’s a hearty homage to tradition with a contemporary flourish, a reminder that our most cherished dishes can always withstand a little reinvention at the hands of a skilled and thoughtful cook. Here’s to finding that joy in every bite, whether a simple bean or the most elaborate feast.
