Those living across the pond have long been bamboozled by Britain’s love affair with the simple plate of beans on toast for lunch, leading one curious American to put it to the test.
A US resident took to Reddit after ordering a bulk supply of Heinz Baked Beans to whip up the iconic dish this week. He shared his culinary adventure in the UK Food subreddit: “Yank here- first time making beans on toast,” alongside a snap of his effort.
His explained: “Ordered the beans from Amazon (12 pack). Heated the beans, buttered the toast, made a cup of (sadly American teabagged) tea. I get why this is popular. Rather comforting, will definitely be a great snack on a cold winter day. Next time I’ll top it with some cheddar.”
Several Brits seized the opportunity to give offer advice on perfecting the meal after the post went viral – specifically the addition of cheese and a dash of a popular condiment. One Reddit user responded: “Good effort, well done,” before recommending: “Definitely grate some proper Cheddar on top and splash on some Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce or Henderson’s Relish. Brown sauce also works.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying adding: “Good effort, if you can get Worcestershire sauce, add a splash of that and some grated Cheddar cheese as well.” Whilst a third commenter outlined the simple amendment: “You are so close to perfection…as others have said, cheese is a must, under or over the beans, either is fine.”
They added: “Never, EVER add to the beans, always add on top (yes to salad cream or Worcestershire sauce…I live in the UK town where it is made! ). Also make sure the beans are cooked not just heated…they must be boiled and stired to almost mushing!”
Returning to Reddit with a “follow-up” post having taken in the Brits’ recommendations, meanwhile, the American man penned: “So I took the popular advice for round 2. I buttered the toast and melted quality cheddar I shredded on it. I mixed some black pepper and a bit of Worcester into the beans.”
“The cheese, pepper, and sauce definitely give it more complex flavors,” he drooled. “It really is quite lovely. I had the wife try it. Her pronouncement? ‘It’s good.’ So I says to her, ‘Love, you really want to tell a bunch of Brits their national treasure is just ‘good?’ So she followed up with ‘Its very good.'”.
Admiring his second attempt, one Brit quipped in response: “You’ll start to wake up thinking about tea and accidentally start calling people guv’ner. Your transformation is inevitable once the virus has taken hold, there is no cure.”
Whilst a second suggested a minor tweak: “If you can get hold of them try Branston beans. Heinz used to be the best but over the years they’ve really let things slip. Now? They are really not that good. Many, most, brands are now much better.
“As for the beans on toast, top job! I do think traditionally the cheese would go on top of the beans but you do you! Spiffing job old bean.”
