Recipes: Masala Beans on Toast

Situ has long inspired us with their creative flair. Blending family recipes, traditional methods, and local produce, founder and owner Sham creates classics shaped around Gujarati, Ugandan, and British ingredients.

Sham’s shared his recipe for his Masala Beans on Toast – the perfect weekend brunch item. Get ready to recreate our favourite at home.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 curry leaves (fresh or dry is fine)
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 green chilli 1 red onion finely diced
• 1 tin mixed beans
• 1 tin red kidney beans
• 1 tin chickpeas
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 15g coriander, finely chopped (more for garnish)
• 2 slices of your favourite bread (sourdough is best)
• Italian hard cheese (Grana Padano / Parmigiano)

DRIED GROUND SPICES

• ½ tsp turmeric and hot red chilli
• ½ tsp ground black salt
• ½ tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp Amchoor (dried mango)
• 1 tsp Maldon sea salt and demerara sugar

METHOD

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan
2. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli (sliced lengthwise). Fry until seeds sizzle and pop
3. Add diced onions, tomato paste, turmeric, and chilli powder, and fry on low heat until browned
4. Add chopped tomatoes and all tinned beans, including any water, and simmer for 5 mins
5. Add remaining dried spices, salt, and sugar (use fresh lemon juice if Amchoor unavailable). Simmer for a further 5-10 mins. Cook until sauce has combined, any bubbles cook out, and colour darkens
6. Add chopped coriander and taste for seasoning
7. Toast your bread, butter, and arrange on plate
8. Pour over your hot masala beans, then add a generous grating of your chosen Italian hard cheese
9. Garnish with crispy onions, coriander, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (optional).

--

Stay up-to date with Sham and Situ Cafe - here