Homemade baked beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb / 450 grams dried haricot beans
• 2 large onions (very finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup tomato passata
• 1 cup cold water (plus extra if needed)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the dried beans in a large bowl, cover with plenty of cold water and allow to stand overnight to soak

2. 2

   Once the beans have soaked, drain through a colander and set aside.

3. 3

   Chop the onions in a food processor, or grate them on a box grater.

4. 4

   Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan, add the onions and saute until the onions turn translucent and start to brown.

5. 5

   Remove from the heat and stir in the paprika, dried mixed herbs, salt and ground black pepper

6. 6

   Add the brown sugar, tomato passata and1 cup of cold water, then mix in the drained beans.

7. 7

   Return to the heat and bring to the boil.

8. 8

   Turn down the heat as low as it will go, cover with a lid and leave for 2½ hours to simmer. Check periodically and top up with more water if necessary.

9. 9

   Once the beans are soft, remove from the heat and leave covered until completely cool.

10. 10

    Pack into sterilised glass jars, or spoon into freezer bags and freeze for up to 12 months.