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Introduction:
Slow-cooked Northern beans are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe combines simple ingredients with the richness of slow cooking, resulting in beans that are tender, flavorful, and infused with savory seasonings. Whether you're serving them as a main course or a side dish, these beans are sure to impress with their depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Ingredients:
2 cups dried Northern beans
6 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Optional: 1/2 cup cooked ham or bacon bits for added flavor
Instructions:
Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried Northern beans under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged beans. Soak the beans overnight in water or use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the soaked beans. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then add the bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cumin. Stir gently to combine.
Cook the Beans: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and flavorful. If you're using ham or bacon bits, add them in the last hour of cooking for a savory boost.
Final Adjustments: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and check for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the slow-cooked Northern beans into bowls. For a heartier dish, pair them with cornbread or a slice of crusty bread.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: These beans are perfect as a side dish with roasted meats or as a main course with rice or quinoa. You can also enjoy them topped with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Storing: Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beans in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Variants:
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