If you’re looking for a wholesome, protein-packed, and budget-friendly meal, this Northern Beans Recipe is the perfect choice.
These tender white beans simmered in a flavorful broth create a cozy dish that works well as a main course or side.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, northern beans are filling, nutritious, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Northern Beans Recipe
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Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like dried beans, onions, garlic, and seasonings.
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Nutritious & Healthy – Northern beans are rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
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Budget-Friendly – A big pot of beans can feed the whole family at a low cost.
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Versatile – Serve them as a soup, side dish, or pair with rice, cornbread, or meats.
Also Check: Creamy roasted tomato soup
Northern Beans Recipe (Quick Version)
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and soak beans overnight (or quick soak for 1 hour). Drain.
- In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic.
- Stir in beans, broth, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 ½ – 2 hours until beans are tender.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
- Pair with cornbread or crusty bread
- Serve over rice or quinoa
- Enjoy as a side with roasted meats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Rinse the dried northern beans under cold water.
Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight (8–12 hours).
Drain and rinse before cooking.
(Quick method: boil beans in water for 5 minutes, turn off the heat, and let sit covered for 1 hour before draining.)
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Add Beans & Seasonings
Add soaked northern beans to the pot.
Stir in thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Pour in broth and stir well.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are soft and creamy.
If using ham hock or smoked turkey, add it during simmering for extra flavor.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Remove bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Read More: Homemade Dry Beans Recipe
Serving Suggestions
This Northern Beans Recipe is very versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways:
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Serve as a hearty soup with crusty bread or cornbread.
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Pair with rice or quinoa for a complete vegetarian meal.
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Add as a side dish to roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled fish.
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Mash slightly and spread over toast for a unique bean bruschetta.
Nutritional Benefits of Northern Beans
Northern beans are a powerhouse food packed with:
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Plant-based protein for muscle strength
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Fiber for digestion and heart health
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Iron, magnesium, and folate for overall wellness
This makes them an excellent option for vegetarians, seniors, or anyone seeking healthy, filling meals.
FAQs About Northern Beans Recipe
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add soaked beans, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Q: Do I need to soak the beans?
Soaking is recommended for faster cooking and better digestion, but you can cook unsoaked beans if you allow extra time.
Q: Can I use canned northern beans instead of dried?
Yes, use 3–4 cans of drained northern beans. Reduce simmering time to about 30 minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
