A British favorite, these baked beans with mushroom and onions are perfect served with a slice of toast. A quick and easy meal, perfect for breakfast or even dinner using canned baked beans.
A month back I could never have imagined that this would be our new way of life. We were still planning shoots, sourcing for props/ingredients and going about our daily routine. Anubhav was super busy with back to back shoots and I was looking forward to some really exciting projects in Delhi and outside. We were aware of the threat but sh*t hadnt gotten real yet. Its amazing to think that in less than a month so much has changed.
You know how it is when you get sick with a stomach ache or even a bad hangover- you can’t remember how it had felt when your were healthy and fine, and want to get well soon so that you can experience that feeling again- of being absolutely fine. I am kind of feeling like that.
I am super confused on how I feel about the new norm that is our life. On one hand, I am super stoked about the clean air that we have. How morning and nights are still nippy in April. How we can see stars in Delhi again. How I have stopped waking up to an alarm but to the birds outside. Its a different story that no matter how much I want I am not able to sleep past 6.30 am (and have difficulty getting to sleep at night). I was telling Anubhav last night how having him around is the best thing and I will miss the fact that both of us will get busy with work when things get back to normal and not have all the time in the world to cook, play, drink, eat, talk and enjoy each other. While certain aspects of this lockdown are things I am really happy about, I can not brush aside the fact that our economy is suffering and we are looking at a tough year. I can’t put aside the uncertainty of when would we meet our families and friends next and not be scared to contract something. My brother is all alone in Kochi, stuck to a mess room and not even in his house and I know there are many others in similar situations without their family and living in isolation. And while I love having all this time with Anubhav, I also want us both to start working again. Well I want him to start working at least- I am perfectly fine doing what I am doing now- cook, bake, shoot food, and post on the blog *insert stupid grin*.
There are so many mixed emotions, conflicting desires, but its the uncertainty that creates the anxiety. While I want the lockdown to end, I know going back right now to our previous ways of living will not contain the virus and we should look at 2-3 months at the least of social distancing to not overwhelm our health care system and keep the mortality rate as low as possible. To keep us all safe.
While all this is happening, there are some good things to keep the spirits up. The meme game is so strong in the online community and I am so grateful for all the humor floating around- its needed so badly – to try to see light in such a grim situation.
The generosity of creators across the world is abundant- photographers giving away their years of experience for free, trainers doing free exercise classes, platforms like craftsy (now bluprint) having free access to their entire range of course, artists doing free concerts and so much more.
I love that we see how important our local vegetable and fruits guy is, or how we appreciate the work our maids were doing- some things that we took for granted.
I am enjoying all the catching up with friends- some of them I hadn’t spoken for years. All this time has also gotten me back to my blog- the thing that started it all in terms of my profession. I am loving the connections we as a blogging community are making. I did my first live session with Ibrahim, another photographer- I was super nervous before the session but I am so glad I did it. It has taken me out of that shell and made me a slight bit more confident of talking to people about my journey.
I am also happy to know that I married a man who is truly trying his best to be there for both of us and taking equal responsibility in the house work. I think its so important for all the men to step up during these times. Its not easy cooking 3 meals, doing all the housework, working from home and for some taking care of kids as well. Even if the woman you are with is doing it all with a smile, she could do with all the help (without feeling the need to ask). So take responsibility for your half of the work, and sometimes more if the need arises. Its also the best time to get the kids involved in daily chores- you are training them for life and their future selves will thank you.
Coming to today’s recipe. These baked beans recipe is super easy to make. Its gluten free, vegan (if you use a vegan fat alternative for the butter), and a perfect side for breakfast or dinner. I have used canned baked beans and added more flavor to them by cooking them with some onions, mushrooms, herbs and chillies. In case canned baked beans are not easily available where you are, you can try and make your baked beans from scratch as well. Its relatively more difficult to find the navy beans that are traditionally used for baked beans in India, and since canned baked beans were easier to find here so I used those. There are plenty of recipes online though for baked beans from scratch and you could check those out and make the additions I have suggested in the recipe below. You could also try the from scratch recipe with white rajma or any other bean that is available to you- just make sure you get the sauce right which is a mix of tomato puree, brown sugar, vinegar cooked in onions and garlic. Maybe I can do a post about that later soon.
If you can, then check your local grocers for canned baked beans. In Delhi, I saw that Big Basket is carrying Del Monte brand baked beans. Modern bazaar has Heinz Baked beans. Also, if you live close to INA, the New Anand Store is also delivering to certain areas and they carry baked beans so you can check them out. Direct message me on instagram in case you want the contact, or look them up on google. There are other shops in INA that are delivering to certain areas- my veggies guy is. If you need any info on that let me know. If all else fails, save this recipe to try it when things are back to normal because its super easy and absolutely delicious.
Stay at home, stay healthy, stay calm. Much love.
