The Clever Method That Draws Out The Most Flavor From Canned Beans

Braising canned beans is worth the wait

Although this method may seem a bit more complex than simply adding a pinch of seasoning to your beans, braising is actually quite straightforward and refined. The main effort lies in the waiting and the occasional stirring of the pot. Since the beans are already cooked, you’ll only need to braise them for about 30 to 40 minutes, unlike the hours required for oxtail. This approach offers a simple, comforting dinner option when you want something cozy without too much effort. The beauty of this technique is its remarkable versatility; you can mix any type of bean or liquid in a pot to create a delicious dish.

To start, you'll want to do some preliminary cooking by sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic, and browning raw meats such as bacon or ham hock. Next, add the beans and your chosen liquid. Olive oil is particularly effective, but water, stock, and wine also work well. Incorporate your spices and let everything simmer on low heat until fully cooked. For a more sophisticated touch, you can bloom your spices by cooking them in hot oil before adding them to the mixture. You can either simmer everything on the stovetop or transfer your oven-safe pan to a preheated oven to bake. Beyond that, there aren’t many pitfalls. Just be sure not to let the liquid evaporate completely (you can always add more if needed) and avoid boiling, as simmering beans requires patience.