Great Northern beans, a staple in Southern cuisine, are versatile legumes known for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. While traditionally, beans require soaking overnight, but in this article, I will instruct you how to cook great northern without soaking. Each method offers a convenient way to prepare these delectable beans with a Southern twist.
1. How To Cook Great Northern Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried Great Northern beans
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon (for that authentic Southern flavor)
- 6 cups of water or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris or discolored beans.
Place the Instant Pot on the sauté function and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
Add the rinsed Great Northern beans to the Instant Pot along with the bay leaf and your choice of smoked ham hock or bacon.
Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring that the liquid covers the beans by about an inch.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. If using bacon, reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Open the Instant Pot, remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used), and season the beans with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. How To Cook Great Northern Beans on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried Great Northern beans
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
- 8 cups of water or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse and clean the dried beans thoroughly, removing any debris.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
Add the Great Northern beans, bay leaf, and your choice of smoked ham hock or bacon to the pot.
Pour in the water or chicken broth, making sure the beans are fully covered.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to keep the beans covered.
Once the beans are tender and creamy, remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. How To Cook Great Northern Beans in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried Great Northern beans
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
- 8 cups of water or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse and clean the dried beans thoroughly.
In a skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
Place the sautéed onions and garlic, along with the rinsed Great Northern beans, bay leaf, and your choice of smoked ham hock or bacon, into the Crock Pot.
Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the beans are covered by about an inch of liquid.
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender and creamy.
Once the beans are ready, remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Now, you know how to cook great northern beans properly at home. The methods in this article will help you bring out the best in Great Northern beans, making them perfect for classic Southern dishes or as a nutritious addition to your meals
