Are you looking to cook great northern beans from scratch? Whether you want to prepare them on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, we’ve got you covered. Cooking dry beans to tender is easier than you might think!
Cooking Dry Beans in a Slow Cooker
If you’re new to cooking dry beans, a slow cooker is a great way to start. For instance, you can try our simple mayocoba beans recipe, which follows the same method. Soak the beans for a bit, preferably overnight, drain them, and cook them all afternoon until they are done.
You might be wondering why bother cooking dry beans this way. Well, besides being a healthier option, cooking from scratch allows you to control exactly what goes into your food. Plus, you can experiment with different seasonings to create a spicy side dish by adding red pepper flakes and/or chili powder.
How Long to Soak Dried Beans
The question of whether you need to soak dried beans is a common one. While it is possible to skip this step, soaking the beans is generally recommended. Some people may have sensitive guts if the beans are not soaked. Soaking the beans overnight can cut down on the cooking time significantly.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for the slow cooker version:
- 2 cups of dry northern beans
- 6 cups of chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to add other seasonings that suit your taste buds. Dry Sriracha, for example, adds a great kick of heat, but be cautious as a little goes a long way.
How to Cook Dried Beans
For cooking dry beans on your stovetop, follow these timings after soaking them for at least an hour:
- Small beans like black-eyed peas or navy beans will take 50-90 minutes to boil.
- Medium dry beans like Great Northern, Pinto beans, or Garbanzo will take 1-2 hours.
- Larger beans like lima or butter beans will take 1.5-2.5 hours to become tender when boiled in a pot.
Remember to cook the beans slowly with the lid on. Patience is key when it comes to cooking this type of food. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker, which speeds up the process but still requires some time.
How Long to Cook Dry Beans in Instant Pot
If you own an Instant Pot, you can try cooking dry beans using high pressure. There are multiple recipes you can explore, such as baked beans, black beans, or even using canned great Northern beans for a quick meal like Instant Pot ham and beans.
Slow Cooker Northern Beans
To make slow cooker northern beans, follow these steps:
- Rinse the beans and place them in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water, making sure it is at least 3 inches above the beans. Let them sit for at least 1 hour on your countertop. If you skip this step, add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour to the cooking time.
- Drain the water and transfer the soaked beans to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth or water, and cover.
- Cook the white beans on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until they are fork tender. Drain any liquid, season to taste, and enjoy!
If you want to add more flavor, you can include a ham hock or diced ham while boiling the beans. These additions will enhance the taste and create a delicious bean soup.
How to Cook Dry Northern Beans Fast
If you’re short on time and want to cook great northern beans quickly, using an Instant Pot is your best bet. However, remember to soak the beans in water for several hours beforehand to speed up the process. You can refer to a printable guide below for pressure cooking times.
Once you’ve mastered cooking dry great northern beans, you’ll have the confidence to cook other types of beans like lima, black, kidney, and more. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipes according to your preferences.
Now that you know the secrets behind cooking great northern beans, give it a try and savor the delicious flavors. For more cooking inspiration, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
