| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 330 | 12g | 5g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 15g | 17g | 1.2g |
Why I Love South African Curried Bean Bake with Cheesy Topping
South African cuisine often makes its way to my table, and today, I want to share the Curried Bean Bake with Cheesy Topping recipe with you. Growing up in New Jersey, my culinary choices were largely influenced by my Italian grandparents; however, I’ve been fortunate enough to pull inspiration from different global cuisines. One such inspiration hails from the rainbow nation, South Africa, a country known for its rich culinary diversity.
My Journey To This Dish
Though my roots are steeped in Italian-American fare, a robust, hearty, and flavorful dish like the Curried Bean Bake with Cheesy Topping sparked my adventurous side. This dish does not traditionally hail from my heritage but speaks to my culinary curiosity. Inspired by renowned South African Chef Zola Nene, whose recipes have made a significant global impact, I decided to make my own take on this wholesome, comforting bake.
The Taste Test
Preparing the Curried Bean Bake with Cheesy Topping, I was excited by the amalgamation of textures and flavors. The beans and lentils create a hearty, fiber-rich base, bathed in a flavorful curry and tomato-based sauce, sweetened subtly with raisins. The spices, the turmeric, and curry powder, lend a warm earthy depth. But the real kicker is the cheesy topping, which adds a gooey, comforting finish with an additional crunch from the breadcrumbs. It is this mouthwatering concoction that won my heart and justified a place in my family’s fusion meal repertoire.
Complimentary Dishes
A dish this rich would be well complemented with light and vibrant sides. A zesty South African beetroot salad or a cool cucumber sambal would be a great pairing. Even a simple green salad, tossed with a tart vinaigrette, could serve as a refreshing contrast to the hearty bean bake.
This multicultural foray into the culinary world is a reminder that fine dining is not bounded by geography or culture. As I reassess the recipe of the Curried Bean Bake with Cheesy Topping, I find joy in the memories of my family relishing this unique dish on a cozy winter evening. And it is this very joy I hope to share with you through my recipes.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of canned mixed beans
- 1 cup of canned lentils
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (14.5oz)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of grated cheese for topping
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs for topping
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, drain and rinse the canned mixed beans and lentils.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step Three
Add the chopped green bell pepper to the pan and continue to sauté for another few minutes until the peppers soften.
Step Four
Stir in the curry powder and turmeric. Allow to cook for a minute until the spices are well mixed into the onions and peppers.
Step Five
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir well, ensuring the paste is evenly distributed.
Step Six
Pour in the vegetable broth then add the rinsed and drained mixed beans and lentils. Add the raisins and sugar, and stir all ingredients together.
Step Seven
Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eight
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the grated cheese and bread crumbs.
Step Nine
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
