A garlicky, beany nibble

Charlie and I are getting on a lot better now we’re getting used to each other. There are still the inevitable power struggles and admittedly he did call 999 last Saturday afternoon whilst at Nannas, but I’m trying not to take it personally.

I think this starter/nibbley thing is one of the most toddler friendly recipes. Not that I’m suggesting toddlers will eat it (well, mine won’t, it’s all about beef stew with figs and raisins at the mo for him) but it is quick to prepare and possible whilst someone is cuddling your leg like a limpet.

Ingredients:

1 x 200g tin butterbeans
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (If you can get the reduction stuff all the better, but if not no worries.)
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon of caster sugar
olive oil for drizzling
1 half baked baguette, cut into slices (Sainsbos cheap range are fab for this.)

Drain the butterbeans and rinse if they’re covered in gloopy butterbean juice. Then tip into a small pan and add the vinegar, garlic and sugar. Stir and heat on the hob for about 4 minutes until warmed through. Take off the heat and set aside – you can do this the night before the nibbles are needed and store in the fridge if you like.

Take the slices of half cooked baguette and pop into a preheated oven (Gas 6) for about 7 mins but do keep checking as they have a tendency to burn. Once they look browned and cooked, remove from the oven and spoon the beans over the top. Just before serving drizzle some olive oil over each nibble. This doesn’t just make it look pretty but also makes it less dry.

You probably only need to allow 3 or so per person if using as a nibble before other food, as they’re quite substantial for something you can almost get into your mouth in one move.