Are you ready to transform a humble bag of dried beans into a mouthwatering, soul-warming dish that'll have everyone at your table begging for seconds? Our Stewed Great Northern Beans recipe is not just a side dish—it's a culinary journey that combines rustic American comfort food with incredible depth of flavor. Packed with nutrients, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort meal that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried great northern beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried great northern beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Then place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again. This helps reduce potential digestive discomfort and removes excess starch.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions turn translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beans simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beans for approximately 45 minutes or until they are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. The beans should be soft but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the beans rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Tips
- Soaking is Non-Negotiable: Always soak your beans overnight to ensure even cooking and reduce digestive discomfort. The longer soak helps break down complex sugars.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried thyme works great, consider adding fresh thyme or a sprig of rosemary for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Simmer your beans gently to maintain their shape and prevent them from turning mushy. Patience is key in bean cookery.
- Don't Salt Too Early: Add salt towards the end of cooking to prevent the beans from becoming tough during the cooking process.
- Customize Your Base: Feel free to swap vegetable broth with chicken stock or add a ham hock for a more robust flavor profile.
- Storage Tip: These beans actually taste better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 15g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
