In Malaysia,baked beans are commonly found on an American breakfast or a full English breakfast, paired with a generous portion of eggs, sausage, beef bacon and mushrooms.
However, baked beans can actually be consumed in many ways that go beyond breakfast.
Baked beans are high in plant protein and in fiber, making them an ideal affordable protein source for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The protein in baked beans helps with muscle growth, increasing strength, recovery, and repair after a workout.
Due to the high protein content, baked beans could be a perfect alternative to meat for vegetarians. The high fiber content in baked beans helps to slow down the absorption of blood sugar, provides a feeling of satiety and gives a steady stream of energy throughout the day. They also contain iron, lycopene and folate. Baked beans in tomato sauce are a rich source of iron.
For women planning their pregnancy, adding baked beans to their diet three months before conception provides the daily need for folate which helps to naturally increase vitamin B levels.
Folate has been shown to reduce the probability of neural tube defects in babies. Baked beans are virtually free of saturated fat – a delicious way of reducing the risk of heart disease.
Ayam Brand, known for it baked beans, has curated a series of non-breakfast baked beans recipes to introduce the next generation of consumers to the nutritional value, versatility, convenience and deliciousness of these protein and fiber-packed beans.
Ayam Brand Baked Beans use large northern Haricot beans for the taste and texture. It is free from preservatives and MSG, as well as low in sodium and sugar. Ready to eat straight from the can, it does away with the long soak and cook time for homemade bean dishes.
Try these recipes with Ayam Brand Baked Beans to go beyond breakfast:
Sardine Baked Beans with Lempeng
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 15 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Lempeng is the popular Malaysian pancake that works as an anytime meal or snack. Pair it with this quick and easy, piquant sardine and baked beans curry for a protein packed meal.
Heat oil in a pan, add chopped onion, minced garlic and if you like it spicy, add some finely sliced green chilies into the pan. Sauté until fragrant.
Stir in a pack of Ayam Brand Chopped Tomatoes and some chili paste, cook for a while on low heat. Add in the contents of one can of Ayam Brand Sardines in Tomato Sauce and one can of Ayam Brand Baked Beans. Allow to heat through, stirring occasionally until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mini Jacket Potatoes with Baked Beans (suitable for vegetarians)
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 50 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Heat your oven to 180°C. Wash 200g of baby potatoes (regular potatoes will work, remember to give them a good scrub and more time in the oven). Pat dry and prick all over with a fork.
Coat with olive oil and toss with salt. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 40 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Cut a tiny cross into the top of each potato, then lightly pinch the base to create an opening.
Top each potato with a teaspoon of Ayam Brand Baked Beans, a dash of chili flakes and a sprinkling of chopped spring onion. To add tanginess, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Spaghetti with Baked Beans Sauce (suitable for vegetarians)
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 15 minutes, serves: 4 pax
Heat some oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and onion, fry until fragrant. Add half a can of Ayam Brand Tomato Puree and ground pepper, stirring for two minutes. Next add two cans of Ayam Brand Baked Beans, heat through and stir until well combined.
Use an immersion blender to blend into a paste, or use the back of a ladle to mash or pour the sauce into a blender to whizz.
While cooking the sauce, prepare the pasta according to the instruction on the pack. Reserve one cup of pasta water for the sauce. Add the cooked pasta into the blended sauce. Combine well, adding some pasta water until the sauce reaches the consistency that you prefer.
To serve, garnish with chopped parsley. You may replace Ayam Brand Baked Beans with Ayam Brand Baked Beans Cheese if your kids prefer a creamier texture and cheesier tasting pasta.
Baked Beans Patties (suitable for vegetarians)
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 20 minutes, serves: 4 pax
This dish takes it inspiration from South Indian vadai, and Middle Eastern falafel.
Stir-fry finely chopped carrots, green chilies, and Ayam Brand Whole Kernel Corn with salt until softened. In a big bowl, add in softened carrots, corn, green chilies and drained Ayam Brand Baked Beans Light which has 48% less sugar. Then, mash all the ingredients together completely.
Add some corn flour to this mixture to create a workable dough. Add some finely minced ginger, onion and coriander leaves to the mixture and mix well using your fingers. Season with salt and chili powder to taste.
Shape into medium-sized patties. Coat patties in breadcrumbs and arrange on a plate. Heat oil in a shallow frying pan. Fry on one side until crispy, then flip and crisp up the other side. Fry in batches, and do not overcrowd the pan.
