Indian beans on toast is the happy result of one of those “what can I possibly make for dinner?” evenings. The kind where you’re that close to admitting defeat and ordering pizza.
But then you notice a couple of tins of cannellini beans you’d bought to have with the chicken breasts you forgot you’d already eaten, and decide that the onion with the shoots emerging from the top is still usable, and remember there are a few slices of sourdough bread in the freezer.
And with the last tin of tomatoes from the garage, you produce something that – while far from dinner party fare – is pretty tasty, if you do say so yourself.
Indian beans on toast
(serves 4)
- 1 Tb butter
- 1 Tb olive oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 red chilli, minced
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 x 410g tins cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup water
- a pinch of garam masala
- salt and pepper
- 4 slices good quality bread
- fresh coriander, to serve (optional)
- Melt the butter and olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and stir until they start to pop.
- Add the onion, and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger, chilli and turmeric.
- Add the tomatoes, beans and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened. Stir in the garam masala and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread, arrange on four plates and spoon the hot beans on top. Scatter with chopped coriander and serve.
Ten More Bites 
Simple. Genius. Delicious.
It’s like you read our minds! We love meals like this too (especially ones with curry spices); do you mind if we pull up a plate?! 😀
You would be most welcome…:-)
Great and you’re too kind! 🙂
Hi Andrea
This looks great! I have had a similar happy experience with more of a Spanish vibe with paprika, pepper and chorizo (instead of the Indian spices) – which I am often seeking to use up. Less healthy though! This inspires me for when the cupboard is bare(r)!
Love your Spanish beans on toast idea!
This looks like what my husband and I call a ‘ready steady cook meal’ – usually born out of desperation but often ending up delicious! I will try this one!
I’m going to use that from now on – that’s exactly what it is!