Homemade Baked Beans for Baby Led Weaning

Table of Contents

What Are Baked Beans?

British baked beans are a delicious and hearty dish that have become a staple in many homes. Canned beans are made from cooked beans usually haricot beans, they are slow-cooked with a tangy tomato-based sauce. Canned baked beans are often infused with flavours such as brown sugar (this great recipe does not include any added sugar), mustard, and aromatic spices to create a rich and savoury taste. Delicious baked beans can be served as a standalone meal or paired with other food such as a jacket potato, cooked meat, or toast. They are the perfect side dish and family dinner! Old fashioned baked beans are beloved for their comforting flavour, making them a classic choice for family gatherings, barbecues, or cosy evenings at home. This is the best baked beans recipe, for next level beans!

What Is A Haricot Bean?

A haricot bean, also known as a white bean, is a small, oval-shaped legume that is widely popular in various cuisines around the world. These beans have a mild flavour and a creamy texture when cooked, making them highly versatile in a range of dishes. Haricot beans are often used in stews, soups, and casseroles, adding a hearty and nourishing element to these preparations. They are also a common ingredient in salads, dips, and vegetarian dishes, serving as a good source of plant-based protein, fibre and essential nutrients. Despite its small size, the haricot bean packs a nutritious punch, making it a valuable ingredient in many healthy and delicious recipes, such as this baked bean recipe.

Can I Include Haricot Beans In My Baby’s Diet?

Baked beans can indeed be included in your baby's diet, but it's important to do so with caution. While beans are a great source of protein, fibre, and various nutrients, they can also be difficult for a baby's developing digestive system to handle. To introduce baked beans to your little one, it is advisable to start with small portions and ensure they are thoroughly mashed or even pureed to ensure easy consumption. Always be attentive to any signs of discomfort or food allergies after introducing baked beans, and consult with your health visitor if you have any concerns. Remember, every baby is unique, so it's essential to listen to your baby's cues and adapt their diet accordingly.

Including Beans In A Baby's Diet For Baby-Led Weaning

They can offer numerous benefits, particularly as a source of protein and fibre. Beans, such as black beans, lentils, or chickpeas, provide a high-quality plant-based protein that helps support a baby's growth and development. Simple ingredients that are packed full of protein that is essential for tissue repair and muscle development. Additionally, beans are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. The fibre content in beans can promote a healthy gut and contribute to overall gut health. Furthermore, incorporating beans into a baby's diet introduces them to different flavours and textures, encouraging them to develop a diverse palate from an early age.

Can I give my baby Passata?

Passata, a smooth and velvety tomato puree, can be a nutritious addition to your baby's diet. Rich in key nutrients like vitamin C, passata can provide a burst of flavour to your little one's meals. However, it's important to introduce passata to your baby's diet gradually, starting around 6-8 months of age when they are ready for solid foods. Diluting it with breast milk or formula can help adjust the consistency and make it easier to swallow. Additionally, ensure that the passata does not contain any added salt or sugar, as these can be harmful to your baby's developing palate and overall health. As with any new food, it's always a good idea to consult with your health visitor before introducing passata to your baby's diet to ensure it aligns with their specific needs.

Are Haricot Beans A Great Source Of Protein?

Haricot beans, are renowned for their versatility and rich flavour. But are these beans truly are a great source of protein? The answer is a resounding yes! Haricot beans are packed with plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking alternative sources of protein. With approximately 15 grams of protein per 250g, haricot beans offer a substantial protein boost to any meal.

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and providing energy. By incorporating haricot beans into your diet, you can ensure a steady supply of plant-based protein, contributing to overall health and well-being. In addition to their protein content, haricot beans are also rich in dietary fibre, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also offer a range of essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, folate, and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Not only are haricot beans a great source of protein, but they are also incredibly versatile. From soups and stews to salads and dips, the possibilities with haricot beans are endless. Their mild, creamy flavour blends well with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to create nutritious and delicious dishes.

So, whether you're looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, explore new culinary adventures, or simply enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal, haricot beans are an excellent choice. This is such a good recipe, the beans are a great way to get some added protein into your baby’s diet, offering a multitude of health benefits and culinary delights, so why not try this easy baked beans recipe! The entire recipe you will find below.

Ingredient information

Haricot beans - Great white beans that are the star ingredient in this recipe.

Passata - This is the base of the sauce that is perfect for this recipe.

Garlic powder - You could use 1 clove of fresh garlic grated or crushed or garlic granules.

Smoked paprika - Smoked paprika brings a smokiness that works so nicely. You could

Sweet paprika - Smoked paprika is great to add some sweetness to the baked beans, but could double up on the smoked paprika or paprika if using.

Zero salt vegetable stock cube - Zero stock cubes are great for baby led weaning! Zero salt but all the flavour.

Balsamic vinegar - The balsamic vinegar adds the acidity and flavour that the baked beans need.

White pepper - You could use black pepper if you did not have white pepper.

Serving suggestion

The best serving suggestion for baked beans, could be toast, or a jacket potato. Or you could serve with potato smiles, or baked skin on fries or even some sweet potato wedges. You could also serve with sliced green pepper (green bell pepper) for some green on the plate! They make for a classic side dish that can accompany many family meals. See the full recipe below!

Storage instructions

The Baked Beans can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.

If you wanted to freeze the baked Beans, you will need to make sure that the baked Beans have cooled down before transferring to an airtight container. Ensure that the airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container. You could freeze the Baked Beans in separate ramekins, if the baked beans have fully cooled down. Wrap in foil, followed by cling film. The baked beans will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To defrost the baked beans, leave in the fridge overnight to defrost and make sure it is fully defrosted, before re heating.

To reheat, place the defrosted baked beans in a ramekin in a preheated oven on 180C/350F and reheat on a for 15 minutes. Or pop on the hob and reheat for 5 minutes or so, covered.

Once the baked beans have been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or re freeze the baked beans.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.

Haricot beans - Sourcing specific ingredients for my recipes can be challenging. We all, obviously, want to serve up healthy, nutritious meals to our little ones with a mind to the cost. That said, I will buy organic produce and tinned pulses, especially where there is no added salt or sugar.

Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use. 

Ramekin - Stoneware, lidded casserole that can be used to bake and serve to the table. For this recipe I use them to store any leftovers and freeze.

Recipe | Homemade Baked Beans

Ingredients

Makes 4-5 portions

• 1 400g tin haricot beans (235g drained weight), drained and rinsed

• 500g passata

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 zero salt vegetable stock cube

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

• Pour the passata into a large pot. Followed by the drained haricot beans.

• Next add in the rest of the ingredients of garlic powder, smoked paprika, vegetable stock cube, balsamic vinegar, white pepper, sweet paprika (if you do not have sweet paprika you can use paprika or double up on the smoked paprika)

• Bring the bean mixture to the boil on a medium heat, turn down the heat slightly and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. The beans may spit the sauce out so be careful!

• Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer on a medium to low heat for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your stove. Either way you will lovely tender beans!

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

If you did not have haricot beans, you could use another white bean such as cannellini beans, or even kidney beans! you could use dry beans too, (if soaked overnight). This is such an easy recipe you will love an alternative to a can of beans!

You could also oven bake the baked beans in an baking dish if you wish for 30 minutes in the oven on 180C/350F. covered with foil. Stirring halfway through. Or you could cook in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.

This is such an original recipe, that has a star rating of 5 in my home! The best way to use up any leftover baked beans is to add them to a shepherd’s pie or cottage pie! There are different ways you could add them to a dish, they do not just have to be a side dish, but the star of the show.

You could add a touch of Dijon mustard too!

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