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Slow cooker Northern beans are a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. Here’s a recipe to help you make them:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried Northern beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: ham hock or bacon for added flavor (if desired)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the dried Northern beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight. Alternatively, you can do a quick soak by placing the beans in a pot with water, bringing it to a boil, and letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain the soaked beans before using.
  2. In the slow cooker, combine the soaked beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using a ham hock or bacon, add it to the slow cooker as well.
  3. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the water, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.
  4. Stir all the ingredients together to combine them well. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  5. Cook the Northern beans on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the specific slow cooker, so check the beans occasionally to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
  6. Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the bay leaf and the ham hock or bacon (if used). Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve the slow cooker Northern beans hot as a side dish or as a main course with crusty bread. You can also add cooked bacon or sausage slices for extra flavor if desired.

Enjoy your homemade slow cooker Northern beans!