Proper Beans on Toast

Ingredients

• 2 cans white beans, one drained
• 3 tbsp tomato ketchup + 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire + ½ tsp smoked paprika + 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 thick slices bread
• Sharp cheddar, grated (the upgrade)
• Black pepper

Method

1. Simmer the beans with the ketchup, paste, Worcestershire, paprika, sugar, and a splash of water for 8–10 minutes until saucy and glossy — from-scratch 'baked beans' that embarrass the tin.
2. Taste: sweet-savory-smoky in balance. Adjust like you mean it.
3. Toast the bread properly — dark gold, sturdy — and butter to the edges.
4. Pile the beans on with total commitment to sogging the middle while the edges stay crisp: the correct physics.
5. Snow with cheddar and pepper. Serve immediately, defend eternally. Britain's most honest meal.