Broken Beans Recipe

This Broken Beans recipe is a savory and spicy take on a classic, which is made with smoky ‘nduja and a perfectly poached egg. It’s the ultimate brunch recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.

Broken Beans Ingredients

• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp garlic paste or 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp fennel seeds, plus an extra pinch
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 1½ tbsp ’nduja
• 1 x 400g (14oz) can of baked beans
• ½ tsp honey, plus an extra drizzle
• ¼ tsp English mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of vinegar

To Serve:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 eggs
• Butter, for spreading, and Marmite (optional)

How To Make Broken Beans

1. Soften the Aromatics: In a pan over a low heat, soften the finely chopped shallot in the oil. Add the garlic after a few minutes and cook gently for another minute or two until fragrant.
2. Bloom the Spices: Increase the heat slightly and add the paprika, fennel seeds, cumin, and oregano. Stir for a minute until the spices are fragrant, then turn the heat back down.
3. Build the Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of the ‘nduja to the pan and cook for a couple more minutes. Add the can of baked beans, ½ teaspoon of honey, the mustard, and a pinch of salt. Add a small splash of water to loosen the mixture, stir, and let it simmer over a low heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Prepare Toppings: While the beans simmer, toast the bread and poach the eggs to your liking. In a separate small frying pan, gently warm the remaining ½ tablespoon of ‘nduja with the extra pinch of fennel seeds and a drizzle of honey to create a flavored oil.
5. Serve: Generously butter the toast (with a scrape of Marmite, if you like). Stir a dash of vinegar through the beans. Pile the beans onto the toast, top with a poached egg, and finish with a drizzle of the warm fennel ‘nduja oil.

Recipe Tips

• What is ‘nduja? ‘Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Calabria in Southern Italy. It has a rich, savory, and fiery flavor that melts into dishes to create a wonderful depth. It’s the key ingredient for the flavor in this recipe.
• How to get a perfect poached egg? Bring your water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Crack your egg into a small ramekin first. Create a gentle whirlpool in the water with a spoon and slide the egg into the center. Cook for about 3-4 minutes for a set white and a runny yolk.
• Can I make it less spicy? Yes. The heat comes from the ‘nduja. You can simply reduce the amount you use in the beans to control the spice level.
• Why bloom the spices? Frying the dry spices in the hot oil for a minute before adding the liquid ingredients is a crucial step. It “blooms” them, which unlocks their essential oils and makes the final dish much more fragrant and flavorful.

What To Serve With Broken Beans

This dish is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

• A simple side of wilted spinach or sautéed mushrooms
• Sliced avocado
• A strong cup of coffee or tea

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover beans (without the toast and egg), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the bean mixture gently in a pan over a low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Prepare the toast and eggs fresh.

Broken Beans Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450-550 kcal (per serving with toast and egg)
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 20g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Stuffed Squash & Black Beans
• Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Harissa Green Beans
• Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Prosciutto Baked Fish & Garlicky Beans