If you have some some canned butter beans in your pantry, try this tasty comforting dish that can be either a side or dish or a meal. Made in a cast iron skillet this dish is transferred to the oven easily for a final bake. Serve with franks or sausage or some runny boiled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. While you can always buy “baked beans” at your local grocer, it’s worth the effort to make your own as they are far tastier.

Ingredients:

2 cans Butter Beans

1 Tablespoon molasses

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup (as substitute you can increase brown sugar to 1 tablespoon)

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular)

1 clove garlic crushed

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 onion minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup grated cheese (mozzarella or similar)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Place olive oil in oven-proof skillet (I prefer cast-iron) and fry minced onions until softened. Rinse butter beans under running water and add to pan. Now add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Add two cups of water and bring to the boil.

Place skillet in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until most of water has evaporated. Remove from oven, add more water if needed and add cheese.

Serve over toast.