The Absolute Simplest Way To Make Canned Beans Taste Homemade

How to prepare canned beans

The wonderful aspect of enhancing canned beans is that you can often use whatever ingredients you already have in your fridge or pantry. Chop up an onion or a leftover cooked pork chop, sauté some mushrooms, sprinkle in some oregano, or add a splash of hot sauce right before serving. If you regularly use a specific set of spices or a bit of chicken stock, you can tailor the beans to match the rest of your meal. Additionally, you can create unique bean dishes each time by varying the ingredients you include.

There are three key moments in the cooking process where adding extra ingredients to canned beans can elevate the final dish. First, before adding the beans, drizzle a bit of oil in the bottom of your pot or pan, then toss in ingredients like onions, garlic, leftover chicken, diced bell peppers, or any other items you’d typically sauté for an omelet or pasta sauce.

Once the beans are in, you can spice them up with pepper, paprika, and other robust spices (there’s usually no need to add extra salt—this is a common mistake that can be easily avoided). After everything has warmed through, finish with fresh herbs, green onions, pre-cooked vegetables, and other delicate ingredients, cooking for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. This is also an ideal time to incorporate splashes of your favorite sauces or vinegar.

The best ingredients to add to different kinds of beans

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Naturally, the best ingredients are those you enjoy and have readily available (unless you excel at planning meals with canned goods). However, there are some combinations that highlight the distinct qualities of each type of bean.

For navy beans, start by sautéing white onion and garlic, then incorporate some chopped celery and diced ham or bacon before adding the beans. If you have extra chicken stock, toss in a cup and let it simmer for a simple soup. On the other hand, cannellini beans are heartier and packed with flavor, so they don’t require much to enhance them. If you have diced peppers or other vegetables like carrots and potatoes, consider adding a bit of cumin and curry powder for a creative twist.

If you have pinto beans, you can easily use an entire can to whip up quick refried beans: just heat some oil in a pan and sauté chopped onion along with jalapeño or Serrano chiles. Mash the beans or blend them until creamy, then add them to the pan with garlic and your choice of seasonings, stirring constantly. If you like, top with shredded cheese.

Black beans are a fundamental ingredient in Caribbean cuisine. Cuban-style black beans typically include onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Spice them up with a sofrito seasoning, and finish with a squeeze of lime or a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavors, serving them over or alongside rice.

Four ingredients that will give canned beans a homemade taste

Alright, so you might not be sure what cans are tucked away in the back of your cupboard, and your fridge may only have a few half-used vegetables. No worries! By keeping these ingredients handy, you can quickly transform any can of beans into a delicious meal.

Even a leftover ring or two of onion or a clove of garlic can be diced and sautéed with a bit of seasoning (try sesame oil for an extra flavor kick). Tossing in any leftover meat you have in the fridge—like shredded rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked bacon, or diced steak—before adding the beans will give your dish more substance. Get inventive with your seasonings: in addition to pepper, oregano, or smoked paprika, experiment with those spice blends that often get overlooked (just remember that many contain extra salt), or use bold, savory vegetables and herbs like fennel or dill. And don’t forget to mix in other types of beans! There’s a reason three-bean salad has been a favorite for so long.

The great thing about canned beans is their versatility; they can shine on their own or be incorporated into various dishes. Embrace their adaptability, and you’ll find yourself stocking up on them during your next grocery run.