Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock or ham bone (optional for flavor)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings: thyme, rosemary, paprika
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Rinse and Sort Beans:
- Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Drain well.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- In the crockpot, combine the rinsed beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ham hock or ham bone (if using), chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and any optional seasonings.
- Set Crockpot:
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check for Doneness:
- Check the beans for doneness by tasting a few. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Season and Adjust:
- Season the beans with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding any additional herbs or spices.
- Remove Ham Hock/Bone:
- If you used a ham hock or bone for flavor, remove it from the crockpot. Shred any meat from the bone and add it back to the beans.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Great Northern beans into bowls. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy these flavorful and hearty Great Northern beans served as a side dish, over rice, or on their own. They make a nutritious and satisfying meal.