The label on the can of pork and beans said, “Prepared using meat that complies with our strict welfare and quality standards.”
Well, now that sounds interesting. I haven’t come across any can of pork and beans with a politically correct statement. This can is a product of Tesco, the popular British brand now available in SM supermarkets and hypermarts.
Inspired by this, I thought of a recipe I could make from this can. While the pork and beans probably already tastes good in itself, just like everything else, it could still use some enhancement.
Here’s the result of this inspiration. With chorizo and olive oil added for good measure, this dish is an upgrade on the usual pork and beans. And because it’s so easy to prepare, you can make it your go-to dish whenever you’re pressed for something quick to serve.
You can also serve this for breakfast, together with some poached eggs, and even as a side dish to chicken, barbecued ribs and steak as well as with roast turkey this Thanksgiving. (For a roast turkey recipe, see last Thursday’s DIY column or visit my blog, www.normachikiamco.com).
Chorizo pork and beans
¼ c olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
1-2 whole chorizo, sliced diagonally
½ onion, chopped
½ head garlic, chopped
2 cans Tesco Baked Beans and Sausages (in tomato sauce)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the chorizo slices about one minute on each side, being careful not to burn them. Remove the chorizo from the pan. In the same pan, sauté the onion over low heat for about 1 minute then add the garlic. Continue sautéing for another minute.
Pour in the baked beans and sausages. Add the cooked chorizo. Simmer for about five minutes, stirring occasionally (do not let it come to a boil). Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
For more tips, recipes and stories, visit the author’s blog www.normachikiamco.com and fan page www.facebook.com/normachikiamco. Follow on Twitter @NormaChikiamco
Cook’s tips
For best results, use good-quality chorizo.
If desired, serve this with warm, crusty bread to make a complete meal.
This makes an ideal baon for lunch as it’s easy to eat. To prepare it as baon, make sure the dish is hot (newly cooked or reheated). Spoon it into a wide-mouth thermal container (such as a Thermos) and close the container tightly. The thermal container should keep the dish warm until lunchtime. If desired, add some crusty bread or pan de sal.