Baked beans are a well loved staple across the UK, often served for breakfast or lunch. They’re simple to prepare and pair well with buttered toast, sausages, or bacon. However, the flavour can sometimes fall flat.

Simply Recipes suggests a smart way to elevate baked beans with just one extra ingredient. Adding chorizo brings a rich, smoky flavour that gives the dish a noticeable boost and a satisfying kick.

Chorizo is a cured Spanish sausage seasoned with paprika, garlic, and spices and unlike raw Mexican chorizo, Spanish chorizo is firm and ready to eat once sliced or chopped.

Its smoky, slightly spicy flavour pairs perfectly with the sweetness of baked beans, adding depth and complexity.

Start by removing the casing from the chorizo, if needed, and chopping about 100 grams into bite sized pieces.

Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat and cook the chorizo until it begins to brown and releases its oils, which usually takes about five minutes.

The small chunks of chorizo also add a pleasing texture contrast to the soft beans.

Next, pour in a standard can of baked beans and stir the beans and chorizo gently.

Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes.

This will allow the flavours to meld and the beans to soak up the smoky goodness of the chorizo.