What are great northern beans and how do they differ from navy beans?

Great northern beans are medium-sized white beans known for their mild flavor and smooth texture. Compared to navy beans, great northern beans are larger, have thinner skins, and tend to cook faster. They also offer a slightly nuttier taste. Both beans work well in slow cooker recipes, but great northern beans create a creamier consistency, making them ideal for soups and stews like northern white bean dishes.

Should I soak great northern beans before cooking them in a slow cooker?

Soaking great northern beans before slow cooking is optional. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and help minimize gas-producing compounds. To soak, cover the beans with water, refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight, then drain and rinse before adding them to the slow cooker. If you skip soaking, cook the beans on low for 7-8 hours or until tender, but expect a longer cooking time.

How can I thicken slow cooker northern white bean soup without adding flour or cornstarch?

To thicken your northern white bean soup naturally, mash some of the cooked beans against the side of the slow cooker using a spatula, then stir them back into the soup. The mashed beans release starch that thickens the broth without extra thickeners. Repeat this process until the desired consistency is reached. This method also intensifies the soup’s creamy texture and flavor.

Can I add ham or bacon to slow cooker northern white bean recipes for more flavor?

Yes, adding ham hocks, smoked ham, or bacon is a popular way to add rich, smoky flavor to northern white bean recipes. Add the meat at the start of cooking to allow the flavors to infuse the beans and broth during the slow cooking process. Remove any large ham bone before serving. For a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor.

How long does it take to cook great northern beans in a slow cooker?

Cooking great northern beans in a slow cooker typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. If the beans were soaked beforehand, they may be done closer to the 6-hour mark on low. Always check for tenderness before serving, as older or dried-out beans may require additional cooking time. Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes can extend cooking time, so add those later in the process.

Slow Cooker Northern White Bean Recipe With Ham For Comfort

Ingredients

– 1 lb. white beans (great northern beans)

– 1 lb. diced smoked ham

– 1 medium diced onion

– 4 diced celery stalks

– 6 cups of water

– 2 teaspoons garlic powder

– 2 teaspoons salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– 2 dried bay leaves

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Instructions

1-First, spread the 1 lb. of great northern beans on a baking sheet to check for and remove any debris, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.

2-Next, combine all the ingredients including the 1 lb. diced smoked ham, 1 medium diced onion, 4 diced celery stalks, 6 cups of water, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 dried bay leaves in your slow cooker.

3-Stir everything well to distribute the flavors evenly.

4-Set the slow cooker to LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beans are tender.

5-Once done, remove the bay leaves before serving, and for a thicker soup, mash some beans against the side of the cooker and stir, repeating as needed.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
🫘 Use navy beans as a substitute, noting they require longer cooking time.
❄️ Soaking beans overnight cuts cooking time and reduces gas; leftovers freeze well up to 6 months.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 746 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 16 g
Cholesterol: 22 mg