Description
Masala beans on toast offers a spicy Indian twist on classic comfort food. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a quick and satisfying meal you can savor in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) baked beans (or canned white beans + ½ cup tomato sauce)
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, white, or whole grain)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder for spice)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Masala Base Preparation: Sauté finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in butter or oil until translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Spice Infusion: Introduce garam masala, ground cumin, and smoky paprika, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their flavor profile for one minute.
- Bean Integration: Fold baked beans into the spice-infused mixture, ensuring thorough coating and simmering to develop a rich, thick consistency that melds all flavors.
- Toast Transformation: Crisp bread slices to golden perfection using a toaster or skillet, creating a crunchy foundation for the robust masala beans.
- Layering and Finishing: Generously spread the thickened, spice-laden beans over toast, optionally topping with melted cheese under a broiler until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Embellish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes, presenting the dish immediately while piping hot to maximize flavor and texture.
Notes
- Spice Intensity Control: Adjust the amount of garam masala, cumin, and paprika based on personal heat tolerance, starting with smaller quantities and gradually increasing for a balanced flavor profile.
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or artisan white bread that can withstand the moisture from the masala beans without becoming soggy.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting, and place the toast under the broiler for no more than 1-2 minutes to prevent burning while achieving a perfectly golden, bubbling cheese top.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil, use plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensure the baked beans are vegetarian-friendly for a completely meat-free version of this comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 796 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg