In our kitchen, we’re constantly cooking up a storm, and the variety can be endless! But some days, all we truly want is a simple, nourishing meal that fills us up without feeling overly rich or heavy. Seriously, the amount of food we cook in our kitchen is quite a lot. Some days all we want is some simple yet wholesome meal and not rich and heavy food. On those days, I find myself looking forward to something classic and comforting, like beans and rice. Jason and I both grew up enjoying this humble yet hearty dish, and it holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve shared several versions here already, including my favorite Cannellini Beans, Navy Beans, and the ever-popular Red Beans and Rice. These recipes are all about simple ingredients that come together beautifully for a satisfying meal! Today, I’m showing you how I cook Great Northern Beans, just as tasty as my other recipes! I’m using canned beans to keep it quick and easy, that’s the whole idea with this meal. Simple, delicious, and ready in no time!
What are Great Northern Beans?
Great Northern Beans are a type of white bean known for their mild, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture. They’re slightly smaller than cannellini beans, but larger than navy beans, making them versatile for many dishes. These beans hold their shape well when cooked, which makes them ideal for soups, stews, and casseroles, as well as for creamy dips and spreads. Great Northern Beans are also nutrient-rich, providing fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and potassium, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.
Ingredients Needed
Bacon – Everything taste great with good old bacon, right? Onion and Bell Peppers – Both form the base for this dish. I like to use multi-colored peppers for color and flavor. Mushrooms – I dice them up small here. Garlic – You know me, I love garlic. Red Chili Flakes – I put in just a little for a gentle heat. Great Northern Beans – I go with canned beans here to keep things quick and easy. They’re already soft and creamy, so they’re ready to go. Chicken Broth – This pulls everything together, adding extra flavor and keeping the beans from drying out. Thyme – I love fresh, but you can also go for dried if fresh is not handy.
How to Make the Best Great Northern Beans
Alright, here’s how I make these Great Northern Beans, step-by-step! First, I start by cooking up a few slices of bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat. I let them get nice and crispy, which takes a few minutes. Once they’re perfectly crisp, I take them out and set them aside, then crumble them into bits when they’re cool enough to handle. I leave about two tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor, and save the rest for another day (bacon grease adds such a nice touch to so many things!). Next, I toss in a diced onion along with green and red bell peppers and some diced mushrooms. I sauté them all together for about seven to eight minutes, until they’re softened and slightly golden. Once they’re nice and fragrant, I add in a few chopped garlic cloves and give everything a good stir for another minute, just until that garlic is aromatic. Then I add in my canned Great Northern Beans, a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat, chicken broth, crumbled bacon bits, and a handful of fresh thyme sprigs. I mix everything well, making sure those beans are coated with all the wonderful flavors in the pan. Now, I let it all simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to come together and the beans to soak up all that goodness. When it’s ready, I sprinkle a little extra fresh thyme on top for a fresh finish. And that’s it! I serve it up right away and enjoy. These beans are so simple but packed with flavor, and they’re perfect for a cozy meal.
How to Prepare Dried Beans
If using dry beans, they must first be soaked and cooked. For this recipe, use about 1.5 cups of dried beans. When I soak beans overnight, I put them in a big pot, covering them with plenty of cold water. They need at least 8 hours to soak up all that water. If I’m in a hurry, I use the quick soak method. I put the beans in a pot, cover them with water, then bring it to a boil and let them bubble away for 2-3 minutes. After that, I take the pot off the heat, cover it, and let the beans sit for about an hour. After soaking, I drain the beans and refill the pot with fresh water. I add salt, bring it to a boil, then let the beans simmer for 1.5-2 hours until they’re nice and soft.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve the beans depends on your preferred consistency. If you add more water to make them soupier, a side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. I often cook ours a little drier. In that case, ladle some beans atop a bed of rice for a hearty meal. You can also try other grains like farro or quinoa, or small pasta shapes like orzo. If you want a side dish to go with your beans, think a fresh salad or green vegetable.
Alpana’s Tips
Adjust the Heat: If you like a bit more kick, feel free to add more red chili flakes, or even toss in a dash of hot sauce toward the end for an extra layer of heat. Play with Herbs: Fresh thyme works beautifully here, but you can mix it up with other herbs like rosemary or parsley. They bring different flavors and keep things interesting. Make it Creamy: For an even creamier texture, mash a few of the beans with the back of your spoon as they cook. This thickens up the dish naturally and gives it a lovely, comforting consistency. Extra Veggies: You can toss in extra veggies like diced carrots or celery along with the onions for a bit more color and texture. Creamy Finish with Butter: Stir in a small knob of butter just before serving. This adds a velvety richness that makes the beans taste more delicious.
Leftover and Storing
To store, let the beans cool and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, they’ll last up to 6 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, use the microwave or warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water. I know life can get busy and a bit hectic, and that’s when beans and rice really come to the rescue. Give them a little extra love, like I did with this recipe, and turn them into a delicious, easy meal your family will enjoy. So whip this up and let yourself relax a bit, it’s comfort food made simple! More great bean recipes:Marry Me ChickpeasHabichuelas GuisadaBlack Eyed PeasFul MedamesCuban Black BeansTuscan Bean SoupPeruvian Beans
