Tillie Doyle
Cooking northern beans in a crock pot is a great way to make a hearty and creamy delicious meal. This cooking method is versatile and convenient, allowing you to create a comforting dish that can be served on its own or as a side. Northern beans are large white beans similar in taste to navy beans but hold their shape better during cooking. They can be cooked in a crock pot with various ingredients, such as ham hocks, vegetables, seasonings, and broth, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Bean | Great Northern Beans, Navy Beans, Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans |
| Soaking | Soak overnight or for 12-24 hours to reduce cooking time and aid digestion |
| Slow Cooker Size | 3.5-quart or 6-quart for small batches (1 pound or less) |
| Water | Cover beans with water and 1 teaspoon of salt |
| Broth | Chicken or Vegetable Broth |
| Ham | Ham hock, shank, or leftover ham |
| Other Meat | Bacon, Smoked Turkey Leg |
| Vegetables | Aromatic vegetables onion, carrots, celery, potatoes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, bay leaf, garlic, onion powder, hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar |
| Cooking Time | 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 4-7 days or freeze for 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking the beans
Step 1: Rinse the Beans
Place the dry great northern beans in a colander and rinse them under cool, running water. Check for and remove any malformed, shrivelled, or unappetizing-looking beans, small stones, or foreign objects. Give the beans a good rinse to ensure they are clean.
Step 2: Soak the Beans
Transfer the rinsed beans to a large bowl or container. Cover the beans with cool, clean water by several inches to ensure they are fully submerged. You can also add a brine solution of 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt mixed into 8 cups of water. Let the beans soak for 8 hours or overnight. Soaking for 12-24 hours is ideal, as it helps speed up the cooking process and makes the beans more digestible.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
After the beans have soaked for the desired amount of time, drain the water from the bowl or container. Rinse the beans again under cool, running water to ensure any residual dirt or impurities are removed.
Step 4: Set Aside
Once drained and rinsed, set the beans aside while you prepare the other ingredients for the crock pot. You can also store the soaked beans in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking if needed.
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Cooking time and temperature
Cooking northern beans in a crock pot is a simple and convenient process. The cooking time and temperature for crock pot northern beans can vary depending on the desired texture and the specific recipe, but here is a general guide:
Firstly, it is recommended to soak the beans overnight or for at least 12-24 hours before cooking. This helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest. However, some sources suggest that this step is optional when using a slow cooker, as the long cooking time will soften the beans regardless.
When you're ready to cook the beans, start by adding the beans and water or broth to your crock pot. The amount of water or broth you add will depend on the recipe you are following and the desired consistency of your beans. For every two cups of dried beans, it is recommended to add 1.5 quarts of water. You can also replace some or all of the water with vegetable, chicken, or bone broth for a richer flavor.
Cover the pot and set your crock pot to cook on high or low, depending on how much time you have. Cooking the beans on high heat will generally take between 2 to 5 hours, while cooking on low heat will take between 6 to 8 hours.
If you are cooking on high heat, check the beans after 4 hours to assess their doneness. If they are not yet soft, continue cooking and check again every 30 minutes until they reach your desired texture.
If you are cooking on low heat, start checking the beans after 5 hours and then every 30 minutes until they are done. Remember that the cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot and the type of beans used, so it's important to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Once the beans are soft and cooked to your liking, they are ready to be served or stored. You can store cooked beans in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for later use.
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Adding meat
A popular choice is to use ham, either in the form of a ham hock, ham shank, or chopped-up cooked ham pieces. If using a ham hock or shank, you can remove the meat from the bone after cooking and return it to the crockpot before serving. You can also add bacon to your beans, either by cooking and dicing it or using bacon drippings for a smoky flavour. Other pork options include salt pork, pork neck bones, and salt-cured pork.
If you don't have access to pork, you can also use beef. One option is to add a beef roast to your crockpot with other ingredients like sweet potatoes and onions.
When adding meat to your northern beans, you may also want to adjust the seasonings and liquids used. For example, if your meat is salty, you may not need to add additional salt to the dish. You can also use chicken broth or water to add flavour and moisture to the beans.
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Aromatics and seasoning
Aromatics
Aromatics such as bay leaves, garlic, and onion are essential to building flavour in your crock pot northern beans. Add these aromatics at the beginning of the cooking process to allow their flavours to gently infuse the beans and the cooking liquid. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder to enhance the aroma and taste.
Seasonings
When it comes to seasonings, salt is a key ingredient in crock pot northern beans. However, there is some controversy over when to add salt. Some sources suggest adding a teaspoon of salt at the beginning of cooking to help keep the beans intact and prevent "blow-out" beans. On the other hand, others recommend adding salt towards the end of cooking, especially if you are using ingredients like ham that can release salt during the cooking process. You can also add black pepper to enhance the flavour.
Additionally, you can experiment with seasonings like brown sugar or molasses to add a touch of sweetness to your beans. Just a small amount can make a significant difference in flavour. If you prefer a savoury taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Broth
Using broth instead of water can also enhance the flavour of your northern beans. Chicken broth, chicken bone broth, or vegetable broth are excellent options to consider. If you want to reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium chicken broth.
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Storing and reheating
Before freezing, let the beans cool thoroughly. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of your container to allow for expansion. You can use airtight containers or zip-close freezer bags. Properly stored beans will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat your beans, simply take them out of the freezer and defrost them. You can reheat them in the microwave at medium power, or on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad or as a dip.
It's worth noting that some people recommend soaking your beans before cooking them. While this is not necessary when using a slow cooker, it may aid with digestion and reduce cooking time. If you choose to soak your beans, cover them with water and let them soak for 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to your slow cooker.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook the beans on low for 6 to 8 hours. However, you should start checking the beans after 5 hours and then every 30 minutes until they are cooked to your liking.
Soaking the beans before cooking them is optional but recommended. Soaking the beans can make them less hard to digest and reduce cooking time. It is best to soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours or overnight.
You can add vegetables, seasonings, and broth to your crock pot of northern beans. You can also add meat such as ham hock, ham shank, or bacon for a smoky, meaty flavor.
Leftover northern beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
