Great Northern Beans and Ham
User Reviews
4.9
Great Northern Beans and Ham
Description
This recipe involves soaking great northern beans overnight to ensure even cooking and tenderness. The cooking begins by sautéing diced onion in olive oil to soften. The soaked beans, sautéed onion, chopped carrot and celery, bay leaf, ham hock or smoked ham, brown sugar, chicken broth, and water are combined and simmered for 1 ½ to 2 hours until beans reach a creamy tenderness.
Salt and any acidic ingredients, if added, should be incorporated at the end of cooking to avoid toughening the beans. Once cooked, the bay leaf is discarded and the stew can be seasoned further. Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright finish. This dish can be served as a satisfying meal component, especially in cooler weather.
The recipe notes provide alternatives for quick soaking by boiling briefly before resting, and instructions for slow cooker preparation with adjusted liquid volumes and extended cooking time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound great northern beans dr, dried
- 1 ham hock or 1 lb smoked ham, smoked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrot chopped
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon parsley optional, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Rinse beans in a large pot and remove any debris. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Let sit overnight. Drain well.
- Cook onion in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine beans, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, ham hock, and seasonings in a pot. Add 4 cups chicken broth and 4 cups water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 ½ to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
- Discard bay leaf, taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Add salt and acidic ingredients only after beans are fully cooked to ensure proper rehydration.
- Quick soak method: boil soaked beans for 3 minutes, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before cooking.
- For slow cooker use, reduce liquids to 6 cups total and cook on low for 8 hours.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 160 | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 494mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 458mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2612IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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