Crock Pot Great Northern Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
These Crock Pot Great Northern Beans are not just a dish, but a warm, comforting embrace in a bowl. Made with dry beans and a meaty ham bone, this recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking. As the beans simmer with onions and ham, they absorb every bit of flavor, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted with different seasonings or additional meats like bacon or ham chunks to suit any palate.
Comfort Food Made Simple
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the ease and deep flavors that come from a slow cooker. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or need a filling meal that can cook while you’re busy, this recipe is sure to deliver comfort and deliciousness with minimal effort.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-7 hours
- Serving: 6-8 servings
- Equipment: Crock Pot
Recipe Title: Crock Pot Great Northern Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) package dried northern beans
- 3-4 meaty ham hocks or shanks, or a meaty ham bone (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Water, enough to cover the beans (about 6-8 cups)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Beans: Start by sorting through the dried beans to remove any pebbles. Rinse the beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the rinsed beans, diced onion, ham hocks or bone, salt, and pepper into the crock pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for the first 2 hours. Then, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham hocks or bone from the crock pot. Pull off all the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chopped meat to the crock pot. If desired, remove about a cup of the cooking liquid before adding the brown sugar to achieve your preferred consistency. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined.
- Serve: Ladle the beans and ham into bowls and enjoy!
Enjoy Your Meal!
This dish of Crock Pot Great Northern Beans is perfect for a casual family dinner or as a comforting meal during the colder months. Its rich flavors and tender beans make it a filling and satisfying choice that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Serve with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete and hearty meal.