Make the Fancy Baked Butter Beans

Prepare your ingredients:

1. Dice the onion: Chop the onion into small, even-sized pieces (about 0.5 cm cubes).
2. Mince the garlic: Finely chop the garlic until you have tiny, almost paste-like pieces.
3. Drain and rinse the butter beans: Pour the beans into a colander and rinse under cold water to remove any excess liquid or residue.

Cook the onions and garlic:

1. Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent (softened and slightly see-through). This should take around 5 minutes, but may take longer if your heat is lower.
3. Tip: If the mixture starts to stick or brown too quickly, add a splash of water (1–2 tablespoons) to loosen it.

Add the remaining ingredients:

1. Add the butter beans, chopped tomatoes, cumin, balsamic vinegar, and pink salt to the pan.
2. Stir well to combine everything.

Simmer and thicken:

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Cook uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until some of the water from the tomatoes has evaporated and the beans are heated through.
3. Tip: If the mixture is too watery for your liking, simmer it a little longer.

Serve:

1. These beans are delicious on toast or served in a small dish with toasted sourdough topped with creamy mashed avocado.
2. Tip: For extra flavour, sprinkle over chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika before serving.