Description
This savory slow-cooked Northern Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender Great Northern beans simmered slowly with smoky ham hock, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a hearty meal, these beans are rich in flavor and easy to prepare using a slow cooker, making them ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 2 cups Dried Great Northern Beans (or navy or cannellini beans as substitute)
- 6 cups Water or Chicken Broth (chicken broth recommended for richer flavor)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Carrots (diced)
- 1 cup Celery (diced)
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 piece Smoked Ham Hock or Turkey Bacon (for smoky flavor; omit for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (or Italian seasoning as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (add at the end)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (optional for richness)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse the dried Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Soaking the beans overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the rinsed beans into your slow cooker. Add diced onion, minced garlic, smoked ham hock or turkey bacon, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika if using, black pepper, carrots, and celery. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the beans are covered by at least 2 inches of liquid to allow for swelling during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, or alternatively, set to HIGH heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours. The beans should become tender and creamy. Avoid stirring too often to maintain bean integrity.
- Finish and Season: Once the beans are fully cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf and smoked ham hock or turkey bacon pieces. Stir in the salt and add olive oil or butter to enrich the dish if desired. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the beans warm as a hearty main dish or a side. They pair well with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight is optional but can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham hock or turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust spiciness with red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Adding olive oil or butter at the end enhances flavor and gives a richer mouthfeel.
- Be sure to remove the bay leaf and any large meat pieces before serving to avoid unpleasant texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
