the Great Northern Beans In The Crockpot are undoubtedly one of my favorites. This recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but also exceptionally flavorful.
There’s nothing quite like returning home to the enticing aroma of a simmering dinner, knowing that a delectable meal is just a few hours away.
The method for preparing these remarkable Northern beans in a slow cooker is delightfully straightforward. Merely place the beans in the slow cooker, along with water or broth, and let them gently simmer for a few hours. You have the liberty to season them as you see fit – my go-to choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. However, the seasoning options are entirely customizable, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Once the beans have been transformed into tender perfection, you have the freedom to serve them in any manner you desire. Personally, I relish them as a splendid side dish, but they also shine as a satisfying main course. Furthermore, they contribute to a healthy dining experience, brimming with both protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (approximately 2 cups) dried Great Northern beans
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional enhancements: ham hock, bacon, or smoked sausage for added flavor
Instructions:
Rinse and Soak the Beans:
Commence by thoroughly rinsing the dried Great Northern beans under cold running water, removing any potential debris or stones.
Place the rinsed beans in a spacious bowl, ensuring they are sufficiently covered with water, leaving about a 2-inch submersion. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours. This soaking process aids in softening the beans and reducing their cooking time.
Drain and Rinse:
After the soaking period, diligently drain and rinse the beans.
Prepare the Crockpot:
In the base of your crockpot, arrange the finely diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, and any optional enhancements you desire, such as a ham hock, bacon, or smoked sausage.
Add the Beans:
Position the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans atop the onion and garlic mixture.
Season and Add Water:
Sprinkle the beans with salt and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Pour 6 cups of water over the beans, ensuring they are entirely submerged.
Cook in the Crockpot:
Securely cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for a span of 6-8 hours, or until the beans attain the desired tenderness. It’s prudent to begin checking for doneness around the 6-hour mark, although cooking times may vary depending on the specific crockpot model.
Remove Bay Leaves:
Around the halfway point of the cooking duration, if preferred, you may remove the bay leaves.
Serve:
Upon achieving the desired tenderness and fully cooking the Great Northern beans, remove any optional enhancements like ham hocks or bay leaves.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
These delectable Great Northern beans can be served as a splendid side dish or incorporated into a myriad of recipes, including soups, stews, or casseroles.
Enjoy!
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