Baked beans are a British diet staple offering reliable comfort food. For most, the traditional method involves gently warming them in a saucepan on the hob, stirring now and then, before dishing them up with a Full English or atop buttered toast. Yet, there's an alternative technique that elevates this classic dish without the need for extra ingredients – just a swap in cooking apparatus.

A Reddit user divulged their family secret: "My father used to put them on the frying pan after the bacon and sausages had been done. The taste of those beans was nothing short of incredible."

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This minor tweak can make a world of difference, infusing the beans with a deeper flavour, a thicker sauce, and a delightful smoky undertone from the remnants of bacon and sausage. Another individual remarked: "Ooh in the frying pan, nice work. Might have to try that."

Once you've tried this method, the humble saucepan might just become a thing of the past, reports the Express. The expansive surface area of a frying pan encourages quicker evaporation of moisture. Consequently, the sauce around the beans thickens more rapidly, resulting in a robust, concentrated taste.

But it's not just about flavour; the frying pan also contributes to a superior texture. In contrast to the saucepan's gentle simmering, the frying pan permits the beans to develop a slight caramelisation and crispiness, particularly if left untouched for a brief time.

This method results in delightful pockets of golden, sticky delight that elevate your beans to an entirely new level. Utilising a frying pan can also expedite the cooking process by distributing heat more evenly, ensuring the beans heat up quickly - ideal if you're pressed for time.

As the beans are spread out more, it becomes simpler to monitor them, thus avoiding any potential burning or sticking.