A Nutritious Twist on Classic Comfort: Baked Beans and Toast

At We Might Be Tiny, we're passionate about making mealtime both delightful and nutritious. We're excited to share a fantastic baby-led weaning recipe that gives a fresh spin to a classic comfort food - Baked Beans and Toast. These aren't just any beans; they're rich, flavourful, and designed to fit perfectly with our vision of making mealtime fun and functional. Whether you're introducing solids to your little one or seeking new flavours to delight the family, this recipe is a must-try. Let's dive into this culinary adventure, brimming with tastes and nourishment.

The Joy of Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-led weaning isn't just a feeding method; it's an approach that nurtures independence and a love for food. It's about letting your baby explore the diverse world of flavours, textures, and tastes at their pace, fostering a positive relationship with food from an early age. Baked Beans and Toast are an excellent choice for baby-led weaning as they introduce essential nutrients and mouth watering flavours.

Makes 2 | Prep 25 minutes

Ingredients That Make Magic

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide for this recipe, let's assemble the ingredients that will make both you and your little one smile:

• 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 60 ml (¼ cup) chicken stock
• 2 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• 400 g (1 can) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Creating Culinary Magic: Step by Step

We understand that as a parent, you need both ease and nutrition in your meals. These Baked Beans and Toast are not only tasty but also quick to prepare. Let's explore each step to create this culinary masterpiece.

Step 1: Tomato Transformation

Begin by transforming a can of diced tomatoes into a smooth puree. Using a high-speed food processor, blitz the diced tomatoes until they're perfectly smooth, and set this puree aside. This step forms the heart of your flavourful sauce.

Step 2: Garlic Infusion

Now, let's infuse your dish with the delightful aroma of minced garlic. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and allow them to cook for a few minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; we're looking for a fragrant, golden outcome.

Step 3: Smoked Paprika Symphony

To bring in a burst of flavour, introduce 1 tsp of smoked paprika. Stir it into the garlic and olive oil mixture, creating a harmonious blend. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation.

Step 4: The Sauce Unveiling

Now, it's time to introduce the star of your dish, the tomato puree. Add the smooth tomato puree, 1 tbsp of tomato paste, and 1/4 cup of chicken stock to the pan. Allow this mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Maple Syrup Harmony

If you wish to mellow the sharpness of tomatoes, you can add 2 tsp of maple syrup. This optional step adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavours. Stir the maple syrup through the sauce to create a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Bean Elegance

Now, let's introduce 400 g of cannellini beans. These beans are not only rich in protein and fibre but also a great source of essential nutrients. Add the beans to your simmering sauce and allow them to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. The beans soak up the flavours and become tender, ready to delight your taste buds.

Step 7: Serving with a Touch of We Might Be Tiny

To elevate your Baked Beans and Toast to the next level, serve them in your favourite We Might Be Tiny Stickie Plate. These versatile plates are perfect for making mealtimes fun and functional. Whether you're introducing solids to your baby or creating a delightful family meal, these plates are designed to make the experience joyful.

Nourishment and Flavour

This baby-led weaning recipe isn't just about flavour; it's about nourishing your little one while introducing them to the joys of exploring tastes and textures. These Baked Beans and Toast are packed with nutrients and offer a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.

The Benefits of Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are an excellent addition to this recipe, as they're rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. Let's take a closer look at their nutritional benefits:

• Protein: These beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, which is essential for your baby's growth and development.
• Fibre: The fibre in cannellini beans supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamins: They contain vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, and B3, which play vital roles in your baby's overall health.

The Comfort of Toast

To make your Baked Beans and Toast even more delightful, add slices of your baby's favourite toast. Toast offers a pleasant crunch and a perfect base for scooping up the savoury beans. Whether your little one is exploring self-feeding or you're sharing this meal as a family, toast makes it a heartwarming experience.

The Joys of Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-led weaning is about more than just introducing solids; it's about creating a positive relationship with food and fostering independence. It allows your baby to explore various tastes, textures, and shapes while developing essential fine motor skills.

Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning

• Independence: Baby-led weaning encourages self-feeding, allowing your baby to explore and experiment with food at their own pace.
• Fine Motor Skills: As your baby grasps and handles food, they develop fine motor skills, crucial for their overall development.
• Varied Flavours: This approach exposes your little one to a wide range of flavours, encouraging them to embrace a diverse and healthy diet.
• Mealtime Bonding: Baby-led weaning creates positive mealtime experiences, fostering a love for food and creating meaningful family moments.
• Healthy Eating Habits: It supports the development of lifelong healthy eating habits, making mealtime enjoyable and positive.

Savour Every Bite

We hope you've enjoyed this culinary adventure of creating Baked Beans and Toast for your baby-led weaning journey. These beans aren't just nutritious; they're a fantastic introduction to a world of flavours. They embody the We Might Be Tiny vision of making mealtime fun and functional, providing a memorable experience for both you and your baby.

So, the next time you're seeking a delightful meal that nourishes your baby while creating memorable moments, turn to Baked Beans and Toast. It's the perfect combination of flavour, nutrition, and fun.

Notes

These Baked Beans and Toast are perfect for your baby-led weaning journey, and they also make a fantastic family meal. Enjoy them fresh, and if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. This dish reheats wonderfully and continues to delight.

Unveiling the We Might Be Tiny Stickie Plate

We Might Be Tiny offers a range of Stickie Plates designed to make mealtimes a breeze. These plates come in various adorable shapes and colours, perfect for adding a touch of fun to your baby's or toddler's meal. Explore our collection to find the perfect plate for your little one.

Conclusion

We've embarked on a culinary journey, creating a delicious twist on a classic comfort food with our Baked Beans and Toast. It's a nutritious and delightful addition to your baby-led weaning repertoire. This recipe is not just about feeding; it's about creating a positive relationship with food and fostering independence. Whether you're introducing solids to your baby or creating memorable family meals, these beans are designed to make mealtime a joy. Enjoy every bite, every moment, and create lasting memories with your tiny human.

A Heartwarming Mealtime

At We Might Be Tiny, we believe that mealtime should be a delightful experience, not just a necessity. Our Stickie Plates are designed to add a touch of fun and functionality to your baby's or toddler's meals. They are perfect for baby-led weaning, helping your little one explore and enjoy food independently. We hope this recipe has added joy and nourishment to your family's mealtime.

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