RECIPE OF Baked beans IN ENGLISH - HOW TO COOK Baked beans IN ENGLISH

INGREDIENTS

1250 ml crushed tomatoes ( *around 15 large , ripe plum or roma tomatoes, blanched, peeled and coarsely chopped [I used 5 cups Italian strained tomatoes (plain, without any herbs)]
2 tablespoons unscented oil
Large handful of mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
2 - 3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves
4 tablespoons Worcester sauce
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
Salt to taste
750g white beans (haricot or navy, I used small white beans)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (bicarb of soda)  

Method: 

Soak the beans in cold water overnight. The next day wash and drain them, then cover with cold water, add the baking soda, and cook them for about 1 hour on a medium heat till they are tender, and just beginning to split. Drain and keep aside.

Note: Here's an alternate method, if you aren't organized enough to soak overnight - Pick over and wash the beans, cover with cold water. Then bring to the boil over high heat, let boil for 4 minutes, then turn off the heat. Cover and soak for 1 hour, then cook as normal.

In a big, heavy pot heat the oil and toss the onion in it. Sauté for about 5 - 10 minutes on a medium heat and then add the chopped herbs and the garlic. Stir and cook for another minute or two, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up a bit. 

Add the Worcester and Tabasco sauces, cloves, sugar and salt. Stir and simmer for about 20 minutes. Let cool completely.

When cool, puree well in a blender till it turns to a smooth sauce. Return to the pan, taste and readjust seasoning.

Add the beans to the sauce mixture and cook on a low heat for at least 30 - 45 minutes, or more, until the beans are very soft. The beans taste better the next day when they have had a chance to absorb the flavours better, but they're not bad on the day either.

Alternatively, mix the sauce and beans in a heavy pan, cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake in a low oven (around 125 degrees C) for about 2 to 3 hours or until the beans are soft. If making the oven, keep checking to see that the beans haven't dried out. It may be a good idea to reserve some sauce to add to them if they are drying out.

Serve with a full English breakfast or on toast.

Enjoy!