Recipe adapted by Marianne Landzettel

Photo by Martin Kunz

Cheesy Mayocoba beans

Cheesy Mayocoba Beans - a brilliant Ottolenghi recipe with a few added twists

Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe, published in The Guardian on November 14th, 2020, was the first time I came across a bean-cheese-curry combo which he serves as ‘beans on toast’: amazing!

Instead of broad beans from a can, I upgraded to The Heirloom Bean Company’s Mayocoba beans. And instead of sourdough bread I opted for brown rice. And I also changed the spice quantities somewhat.... So here goes:

For the pickled onion

1-2 green chilis, thinly sliced into rounds, seeds in or out - depending on how hot you like it

1 red onion, thinly sliced into rounds

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

A pinch of salt

Combine these ingredients and let the onions marinade until you are ready to eat

For the beans

200g Mayocoba beans (dry weight), cooked in slow cooker - they may take less time than other beans and are lovely and creamy

Large knob of ginger, peeled and finely grated

2 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1 tsp ground cumin - Ottolenghi uses 1/2 tsp whole seeds which sounds good, too.

2 tsp of your favourite curry powder

1/2 tsp chili flakes - optional

25g coriander leaves, chopped

2 tbs half-fat crème fraîche

100g (or less) mature cheddar, roughly grated

2 large slices sourdough (or 3 small ones), cut 1cm thick OR 1 cup of brown rice, cooked according to instructions

Method

Heat up a little olive oil, briefly fry grated ginger and garlic.

Add cumin and curry powder, fry for 30 secs. Add cooked beans.

Heat thoroughly, add salt to taste and lots of black pepper.

When you are ready to eat add grated cheese, crème fraîche and coriander.

Serve with rice, the pickled onions and a salad with a sharp, lemony dressing: French carrot salad (lemon juice dressing with a bit of mustard) would be great, especially if you add some crunchy seeds such as sunflower seeds. Alternatively, pair with vegetables such as oven-roasted carrots or fried leeks. You want something with a bit of a bite to balance the creaminess of the beans.

Serves two