Northern beans, also known as white beans, are a versatile legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. They have a creamy texture and mild flavor that takes on the taste of whatever you cook them with. Northern beans are easy to prepare and make for a hearty, protein-packed meal. Here are three methods for cooking northern beans along with ham or smoked turkey.
1. How To Cook Northern Beans in a Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried northern beans, rinsed and picked through
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add the dried beans and water or broth to the crockpot. Stir in the ham hock or smoked turkey, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, until the beans are tender.
Remove the ham hock or bones from smoked turkey. Take out the bay leaves.
Use an immersion blender to partially puree the beans to thicken the liquid. Or mash some of the beans against the side of the crockpot.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Serve the northern beans warm with pieces of the ham or smoked turkey. Enjoy with cornbread or biscuits.
This simple crockpot method infuses the beans with smoky flavor. The meat adds richness while the herbs and seasonings enhance the taste.
2. How To Cook Northern Beans on the Stove
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked turkey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add the drained soaked beans, broth, bay leaves, oregano, and ham hock or smoked turkey. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender. Add more broth if needed.
Remove ham hock or turkey bones. Discard bay leaves. Season beans with salt and pepper.
For thicker beans, use an immersion blender to puree some against the side of the pot.
Serve warm with the smoked meat over rice or with cornbread.
The stovetop method infuses flavor into the beans from the ham hock or smoked turkey. Adjust cooking time as needed to reach desired tenderness.
3. How To Cook Northern Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried northern beans, rinsed and picked over
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Secure the lid and set valve to sealing position. Select the Beans/Chili program and adjust cook time to 25 minutes.
Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to release naturally, then release remaining pressure manually.
Remove ham hock or turkey bones. Discard bay leaf.
Mash some beans against the side of pot to thicken, if desired. Add more broth for a thinner consistency.
Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve warm topped with the smoked meat.
The convenience of a crockpot, traditional stove-top, or Instant Pot allows you to infuse northern beans with smoky flavor. Cook them low and slow or quick, then add ham or smoked turkey for a hearty, satisfying dish. Beans pair well with corn bread, biscuits or rice. Enjoy their versatility!
