Smoky Beans with Basil & Bacon

Posh beans on toast, in other words.

Popped home for lunch? Feeling lethargic and need to conjure up some energy to get to a lecture or meeting? This 'posh beans on toast' lunch idea is high in fibre, which means energy is slowly released over the hours following lunchtime. You'll be feeling energetic in no time! Why not just grab a can of heinz baked beans, I hear you ask? Beans are low fat, that's for sure. But Heinz baked beans contain 10g of sugar which is 11% of your daily amount (see here), whereas this recipe contains 0g of sugar (see here). Plus with this, you get to add a whole variety of other flavours which are fresh and delicious. Easy choice, if you ask me!

Things you'll need:

1 portion

• 1-2 x Wholemeal Bread (depending on how hungry you are!)
• 1/2 can Cannelloni Beans
• 1 x Rasher of Bacon (Cut using scissors)
• 1 x Large Tomato
• 1/2 small Onion (Chopped)
• Handful of Basil (Optional)*

* The Basil I used was fresh, but this isn't always convenient for students as it goes off very quickly. It tastes great in this dish, and goes well with any tomato-based recipe (such as Somerset Stew or Spicy Meatball Ratatouille). So if you plan your weekly meals out, you'll use up your fresh basil without it going off.

Price per portion: 86p

*with Basil: 96p

Cooking Instructions:

1. Toast 1-2 slices of Wholemeal Bread
2. Meanwhile, heat a splash of oil in a frying pan and gently fry the Onion and Bacon until golden brown.
3. Then drain the Cannelloni Beans and add to the pan with the Tomato, roughly chopped. Mix together for approx 2 minutes.
4. If using Basil, tear bits of the leaves into the pan and stir with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on your toast.

Heinz baked beans are known as a staple student cupboard ingredient, but give this one a go - lower in sugar, more flavours, and another great cheap eat at under a pound a portion!