Maple Baked Beans

‘Tis the season for comfort food. I didn’t think I would be ready for colder weather. But with the autumn colours finally starting to settle in, I’m getting in the mood for cozy sweaters and long-baked lazy meals that take care of themselves while I sit on the floor to play card games with my family or curl up with a good book.

These maple baked beans are a cinch to make. You stir together a few ingredients and pop them in the oven to bubble away for an hour while you get on with your relaxing evening (preferably with a glass of warm cider and a fluffy blanket).

We love to serve this with a small gammon (or ham), some green beans, and soft rolls or crusty buttered bread. It’s so simple but it feels like a special meal.

I’m already planning to make this in a few weeks time for Bonfire Night – a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal before we bundle up and trudge into the Heath to watch the fireworks. It’s one of my favourite nights in autumn and I can’t wait!

But, the real beauty of this recipe is that it’s good for any night of the week. It’s made with pantry items that are easy to keep on hand, for days when you need that extra hit of comfort or when you’re simply stuck with what to make for dinner – start with some maple baked beans and dinner really can’t go wrong from there.

Maple Baked Beans

I’ve made this with pinto beans, black beans, and cannellini beans with great success, so don’t be afraid to play around with what you have on hand.

Makes: 4 servings

• 2, 400g cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 onion, chopped fine
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustartd
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water, plus more to taste
• salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 180ºC/350ºF. In a medium (2 quart) baking dish, stir together the beans, onion, maple syrup, molasses, Dijon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water until well combined.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove it from the oven and give it a good stir. You can add a bit more water at this time if things are looking a bit dry. Bake for an additional 30 minutes to bring all the flavours together. Before serving, taste and season with salt or add an additional splash of water to loosen things up a bit, if needed.