Description
This savory slow-cooked Northern beans recipe delivers ultimate comfort with tender, flavorful beans infused with smoky ham and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hearty meal, it uses a slow cooker to gently meld flavors over several hours, resulting in a rich, satisfying dish ideal for cozy gatherings or a nourishing weeknight 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 Flavorings
- 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 to remove any dirt or debris. Optionally soak the beans overnight in water to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Assemble Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed beans into your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, smoked ham hock or turkey bacon, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and diced carrots and celery. Pour in the water or chicken broth, making sure the beans are submerged by at least 2 inches to allow for expansion during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Beans: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or set to HIGH and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Cook until the beans are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally if possible.
- Finish and Season: Once the beans are fully cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf and the ham hock or turkey bacon piece if used. Stir in the salt to taste and mix in olive oil or butter for added richness. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve: Serve the beans warm as a comforting main dish or a hearty side. They pair well with crusty bread or steamed greens.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding olive oil or butter at the end enhances the creaminess and flavor.
- Be careful not to add salt at the beginning as it can toughen the beans; add it after cooking.
- The slow cooker times are approximate; check beans for tenderness before serving.
