12 Cozy Dinners That Start With a Can of Beans

Beans on toast can be dinner when the topping has enough body to stay on the bread. The mustard is optional, but it gives the tomato sauce a sharper finish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15–15.5 ounces) cannellini or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon mustard, optional
• 2–4 thick slices of bread
• Black pepper; salt if needed

How to make it

1. Heat the oil in a small saucepan. Soften the onion over medium heat, then stir in the tomato paste and paprika.
2. Add the beans and water. Simmer gently, stirring and crushing a few beans, until the sauce is thick enough to spoon onto toast. Add a splash of water if it becomes pasty.
3. Stir in the mustard if using. Taste and season. Toast the bread just before serving and pile the beans on top.

Make it work: Serve with sliced tomatoes or another vegetable you enjoy. Check mustard and bread labels if you need to avoid specific allergens.