Brilliant Baked Beans

Baked beans are always a favourite with kids but so much more satisfying to make your own.

Ingredients

• 400g dried haricot or cannellini beans
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 red onions, finely chopped
• 150g smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 400 ml water
• 2 -3 chopped medjool dates
• 3 tbsp cider vinegar

Method

1. Soak the beans overnight.
2. Drain them, place in a pan, cover with fresh water and bring to the boil over a medium heat.
3. Cook for about 45 minutes-1 hour until tender.
4. Remove from the heat and set aside for 30 minutes.
5. Drain well.
6. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
7. Add the onions and bacon and cook for 6-8 minutes.
8. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, dates, vinegar, paprika and water.
9. Tip in the beans.
10. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1½-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until you have a thick sauce and tender beans.