Simple Stovetop Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans boast a thin skin and tender texture, making them ideal for delicate dishes. They retain their shape and offer a subtle, delicate flavor, perfect for minestrone soup, chicken chili, cassoulets, and lighter baked dishes where their texture and taste can shine without dominating the overall dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry Great Northern beans
- 1 onion cut in half
- 2 carrots peeled
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 head of garlic top sliced off
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 cups water or broth vegetable or chicken
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Beans – Rinse the dry Great Northern beans under cold water. Place them in a Dutch oven, cover with fresh water, and let them soak overnight at room temperature.1 lb dry Great Northern beans
- Drain and Rinse – The next day, drain and rinse the soaked beans, then return them to the pot.
- Prepare the Vegetables – Trim the celery stalks, peel the carrots, and slice the onion in half. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion
- Cook the Beans – Add the beans, broth (or water), onion, carrots, celery stalks, bay leaf, and garlic to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.1 bay leaf, 8 cups water or broth, 1 head of garlic
- Season and Simmer – Stir in the red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Let the beans cook slowly until they become tender and creamy, about 60-70 minutes.1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt
- Finish and Serve – Remove and discard the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and garlic before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Enjoy these beans on their own, as a side dish, or as a base for soups and stews!
Notes
Sever with broth or drain and add beans to other dishes.
Nutrition
Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 13gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 36mgPotassium: 864mgFiber: 12gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2627IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 3mg
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