Prepare to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas with this incredibly simple yet supremely satisfying Crock Pot Great Northern Beans recipe! Whether you're a busy home cook or a comfort food enthusiast, this dish promises to deliver rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to a warm, perfectly cooked pot of creamy beans that practically melt in your mouth – no complicated techniques required, just pure, delicious goodness waiting to be savored.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb great northern beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked great northern beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- Peel and finely chop the onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Place the soaked beans into the crock pot, creating an even base layer at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic directly over the beans, spreading them evenly across the surface.
- Pour the chicken broth slowly over the beans and onions, ensuring all ingredients are well-moistened and submerged.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme evenly across the mixture, allowing the herb to infuse its subtle, earthy flavor throughout the beans.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering that you can adjust seasoning later if needed.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting for a slow, gentle cooking process.
- Allow beans to cook for 7-8 hours, periodically checking liquid levels and stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Test beans for tenderness by pressing a bean between your fingers - they should be soft and creamy but not mushy.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Soaking Matters: Always soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This step helps remove complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Liquid is Key: Ensure your beans are always well-covered with chicken broth. If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add a bit more warm broth to maintain moisture.
- Season Gradually: Start with a conservative amount of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting towards the end of cooking. This prevents over-salting and allows flavors to develop naturally.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Low and slow is the secret to tender, creamy beans. Resist the temptation to increase the heat, as this can lead to unevenly cooked or tough beans.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the rich, slow-cooked flavors.
- Storage Tip: These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch. They'll keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
