Description
This hearty and comforting recipe for Savory Slow-Cooked Northern Beans features tender Great Northern beans simmered to perfection with aromatic spices, smoked ham hock or turkey bacon, and vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Liquid
- 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)
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 1 small Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 piece Smoked Ham Hock or Turkey Bacon (for smoky flavor; omit for vegetarian)
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
- 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)
Vegetables
- 1 cup Carrots (diced)
- 1 cup Celery (diced)
Optional Spice
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse the dried Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans. Soaking the beans overnight is optional but can help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Assemble Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed beans, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked ham hock or turkey bacon, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika if using, black pepper, diced carrots, and diced celery into the slow cooker. Pour in the water or chicken broth ensuring the beans are submerged by at least 2 inches to allow for expansion.
- Cook the Beans: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to LOW heat. Allow the beans to cook for 8 to 10 hours until tender. Alternatively, use the HIGH setting for 4 to 6 hours if time is limited. The slow cooking process gently softens the beans and melds the flavors together.
- Finalize and Serve: Once the beans are tender, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf and ham hock or turkey bacon piece. Season the soup with salt to taste and stir in olive oil or butter if a richer flavor is desired. Serve the beans warm as a comforting main or side dish.
Notes
- Soaking beans overnight softens them and can reduce cooking time, but is optional due to slow cooker use.
- Using chicken broth instead of water enhances flavor depth significantly.
- Omit the smoked ham hock or turkey bacon to make this dish vegetarian.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
- Remove the bay leaf and meat before serving as they are not edible.
- If thicker beans are preferred, mash some beans against the side of the cooker to thicken the broth.
