Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water and pick out any debris or stones.
- If you have time, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl covered with water. This step can help reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the crockpot.
- Add the rinsed beans, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and the optional ham hock or bacon.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or water) until the beans are fully submerged. Add extra liquid if needed, ensuring there’s enough to cover the beans by at least an inch.
- Cooking:
- Set the crockpot to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time can vary based on your crockpot and whether or not you soaked the beans beforehand. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark.
- Seasoning:
- About halfway through the cooking time, taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Check for Doneness:
- Beans should be tender but not mushy when done. If they’re not quite done, continue cooking and check periodically.
- Serve:
- Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the bay leaf and, if used, the ham hock or bacon. If desired, mash some beans against the side of the crockpot to thicken the liquid.
- Serve the Great Northern beans as a side dish, over rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness.
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade Great Northern Beans straight from the crockpot!