Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than this crockpot great northern beans recipe! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a relaxed weekend. Forget hours spent simmering on the stovetop – your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, delicious beans bursting with flavor. This simple recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights or those seeking quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried great northern beans, picked over and rinsed
- 8 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped ham, bacon, or kielbasa for added flavor
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Rinse the great northern beans thoroughly under cold water. This removes any debris and helps ensure even cooking. Picking over the beans beforehand is also a good idea to remove any small stones or damaged beans.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your beans. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing.
Combine and Slow Cook:
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Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans, water (or broth), smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and easily mashed. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the age of the beans.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you're using optional meat, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Great Northern Beans:
- Soaking (Optional): Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve their texture. If soaking, add an extra hour to the cooking time.
- Don't Salt Too Early: Adding salt too early can make the beans tough. Season towards the end of the cooking process.
- Adjust Liquid: If the beans are too thick, add a little more water or broth. If they are too watery, cook uncovered for the last hour to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Beans: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Tomato Beans: Stir in one (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes with their juices for a richer, tomato-based flavor.
- Vegetarian Chili: Add a can of diced tomatoes, a can of corn, and some chili powder for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12 grams
This recipe for crockpot great northern beans is a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. The ease of preparation combined with the delicious results makes it a true winner in the world of easy recipes and homemade cooking. Enjoy!