Great Northern Beans Cooking Instructions

If you don’t know how to prepare great northern beans, you’re not alone. Most people avoid cooking great northern beans because they have heard how difficult they are to prepare. With our help, you’ll be cooking flavorful, creamy, and delicate great northern beans like a pro in no time.

What Are Great Northern Beans?

This white bean is often confused with the cannellini bean. Great northern beans, on the other hand, are smaller than cannellini beans. They also have a flatter profile and are mostly made in North America.

Great northern beans are off-white while raw but become cream when cooked. They also have a more subtle taste than other white beans. They may also keep their form when cooked.

Yet, one of its most notable characteristics is their texture. As compared to other white beans, their texture is somewhat gritty and light. This is why they are ideal for fast absorbing soups and sauces.

How To Cook Great Northern Beans

Great northern beans may be prepared in a variety of ways. But, this part includes a simple step-by-step tutorial for the cooktop and slow cooker approaches.

The Stove Method 

This is by far the simplest method for cooking great northern beans. All you’ll need are a few materials, and you’ll be ready to go.

1. You must thoroughly rinse Great Northern beans before cooking them, whether they are fresh or dried.
2. If you’re using dried great northern beans, be sure you soak and rinse them first. If they are still fresh, you may skip to step 3.
3. Place the beans in a big saucepan and cover with 2 cups of water each cup of beans.
4. Season with salt, cumin, garlic powder, and other ingredients to taste. You might also add some vegetable oil to the saucepan.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and continue to cook until the potatoes are cooked and soft on the inside.
6. Remove the beans from the pot and season with black pepper or your preferred topping.
7. Serve with a tasty side dish or on its own. Mash the beans to form a paste, spread, or substitute for mashed potatoes. Instead, any remaining beans may be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerated for up to 7 days.

The Slow Cooker Method

Great northern beans may also be cooked in a slow cooker. It will, however, add a few hours to the entire cooking time. But, because of the extended cooking period, you may prepare them with a variety of vegetables and meats.

1. Put the Great Northern Beans in the slow cooker after washing them. Rinsing the beans is necessary because it eliminates any debris that may have accumulated after harvesting and packing.
2. Add enough water and chicken stock to completely cover the beans. To increase the volume of liquid, use equal amounts chicken stock and water. And then, in a 2:1 ratio, blend the liquid with the beans.
3. Season the beans with garlic powder, salt, cumin, and other ingredients to taste. Be careful to thoroughly mix everything in the slow cooker.
4. To make your beans into a stew, add meat pieces or additional veggies.
5. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat, or until the beans are tender.
6. You should be able to serve your delicious northern beans right from the slow cooker. You may eat them as a side dish or on their own.

You may also refrigerate any leftovers for up to 7 days if necessary.

Conclusion

Great northern beans are a pantry staple for many people. These beans are not only inexpensive, but they are also easy to prepare, nutritional, and adaptable. But, in order for your meal to come out successfully, you must first learn how to prepare it. You may experiment with other recipes after you’ve mastered how to cook great northern beans.