Stews | TCS

…Slow Cooker, Oven or Stove Top.

If you have never had home made Baked Beans before, you’re missing out on something very good and comforting. Seriously the first time I had them, I just couldn’t believe how a simple pot of beans could blow me away like that.

The ingredient list may seem long but it’s effortless to throw together.

Throw everything in a pot and that’s it. Dinner done, ok a couple of hours later. If you cook it in a crock pot you don’t even have to stay home.

I’ve given you the cooking times of the three common methods, crock pot, stove and oven. Which ever you prefer. Oven being the authentic way, but all just as good.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 lb. white Beans , soaked overnight in plenty of water
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
4 oz. smoked bacon cut into cubes
2 Bay Leaves
1 2.5 oz can of Tomato Paste
2 tbsp. Pure Blackstrap Molasses
2 tbsp. Maple Syrup
1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
1 tbsp. Sweet Smoked Paprika
1 tbsp. stock concentrate, beef or chicken
1 thick slice of salted smoked pork (loin or shoulder), known also as Kasseler
2 tbsp. thick Dark Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp. Himalayan Salt
Black Pepper
1/4 C. Tomato Ketchup
3 C. water

Method;

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmery. Add diced bacon, garlic, and onion to pan and stir frequently until bacon begins to crisp, about 8-10 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining ingredients. The liquid should cover the beans by 1/2 inch. Add more water if necessary. Bring to a simmer.

Oven : Preheat oven to 300° F . Transfer to an oven proof dish and cover with foil. Cook without stirring, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened, about 6 hours. Check the beans every hour to see if you need to add more water, the beans should be saucy at all times. For the last hour of cooking, uncover beans.

Slow Cooker : Transfer to slow cooker and cook on high for about 4-5 hours, depending on your slow cooker, so check.

Stove Top : Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours with the lid half on, check for liquid every now and then.

I like to serve the Baked Beans with home made bread.

If you try this recipe let me know! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #thecookingspoonblog on instagram! You’ll make my day.

In the mood for a one-pot meal, that is not crazy heavy and won’t send you to sleep? Than this is the one for you.

It has all the comfort food characteristics, it’s cooked in one pot, it’s easy to eat, it has cheese in it….but it’s not so heavy like some of the stews and crock pot dinners you would expect now. And although I truly love all things fall and winter, sometimes you just want to lighten in up a bit. This great one-potter is quick and easy, and even faster if you can find good quality ground chicken.

You can also double the recipe and freeze half for an other day!

Serves 4

Ingredients Chicken balls,

1 lb Chicken breast

2 tbsp. Light Olive Oil

1/2 onion, peeled and roughly chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tsp. Himalayan Salt

1 egg

1/4 C. fresh breadcrumbs

1/4 C. Parmesan cheese grated

2 tbsp. chopped parsley

1 tsp. dried Oregano

Ingredients Bean and Tomato sauce;

1 courgette, cut into cubes

1 can Chopped Tomatoes

1 can of Red Kidney Beans, drained

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, peeled and chopped fine

1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced

1 tbsp. Tomato Paste

1/2 – 1 tsp. salt

freshly ground pepper

2 tsp. (coconut) sugar

1 Bay Leaf

1 glass white wine

1 glass of water

1 small handful Basil leafs, some torn and some left whole

Method;

Cut the chicken into cubes. Place in a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the onion and garlic. Pulse again until it resembles mince, but not too fine.

Tip into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Shape into golf sized balls with slightly wet hands. Put them on a plate as you go.

Place a large pan on the hob and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When hot add the chicken balls and fry turning them so they brown all over. Add the courgette cubes, stir round. Turn heat to medium high and add the onion and garlic. Cook until it begins to turn golden brown and add the remaining ingredients except the Basil. Cover partially with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken balls are cooked thru. Just before serving add all the basil and sprinkle some on top.

Serve with french bread, cooked quinoa, pasta or rice.

TIP: Add two cups of chicken stock and serve it as soup with grated Parmesan cheese.