I can’t wait to tell you all about the Great Northern Beans! A few years ago, I wouldn’t have known what certain white beans were called. And now I’m thoroughly obsessed with beans, lentils, and all things legumes.
This passion started on a panicked grocery store run during that first week in March 2020. There was no meat, bread, or milk at the grocery store and I panicked. Having three little kids made me feel like I had to buy something healthy and nutritious that would last us until the end of the world.
There was a time when I didn’t know what to do with dried beans, but I bought a lot of them. A few years later beans have become so much more than a survival supply. Making beans on the weekends has turned them into a heartwarming comfort food in my kitchen. I love them freshly cooked in a flavorful broth and drizzled with olive oil. They also serve as an excellent meal prep item throughout the week.
Ok, lets get into the good stuff. This post is organized in the way that will be most useful to the average home cook who isn’t crazy about beans. It starts with general information about how to use beans in cooking and nutrition facts. For my fellow legum lovers, I have followed with more history and cultural context.
Great northern beans are a versatile staple that pairs well with countless side dishes Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them an ideal complement to many flavors and textures
When serving up a hearty portion of great northern beans what should you make to go along with them? Here are 15 delicious side dish ideas to inspire your next meal.
1. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables is a classic and healthy pairing for great northern beans. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in veggies like carrots Brussels sprouts cauliflower, and squash.
Season them boldly with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices like cumin or paprika. The assortment of flavors and textures complements the simple taste and smooth creaminess of the beans.
2. Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins
Warm cornbread or cornbread muffins offer the ideal sweet, crumbly counterpart to hearty beans. The subtle natural sweetness plays perfectly against the earthy beans.
Bake up a pan of old-fashioned buttermilk cornbread. Or make individual cornbread muffins for a portable option. The beans love soaking up all the buttery richness oozing from the cornbread.
3. Cheesy Garlic Bread
For a decadent and flavorful pairing, nothing beats digging into great northern beans alongside slices of cheesy garlic bread.
Spread crusty artisan bread with garlic butter and top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Bake until crisp on the outside and oozing with melted cheese inside. The bold garlic flavors pair fabulously with the beans.
4. Tangy Coleslaw
Cool, crisp coleslaw makes a fantastic side dish for great northern beans. It provides texture contrast and a bright, vinegary tang to cut through the bean’s richness.
Shred cabbage and carrots and toss in a creamy mayo-based dressing spiked with lemon juice, vinegar, and Dijon. Chill to let the flavors meld before serving the slaw alongside warm, comforting beans.
5. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
What better for sopping up every last drop of bean broth than a hearty scoop of creamy mashed potatoes? They add rich, velvety texture and subtle flavor to complement the beans.
Blend russet or Yukon gold potatoes with butter, milk, and seasonings like garlic, scallions, or cheese. The indulgent, homey potatoes pair wonderfully with humble great northern beans.
6. Brown Rice Pilaf
For an easy and aromatic side dish, brown rice pilaf is a surefire match for great northern beans. Sauté the rice in olive oil with onions, garlic, and spices. Then simmer in broth until tender.
The nutty whole grains provide the perfect foil for the creamy beans. Adding carrots, peas, or other veggies enhances nutrition and color.
7. Quinoa Salad
Take your bean side to the next level with a protein-packed quinoa salad. Quinoa offers a slightly crunchy texture and a nutty, earthy taste that complements the beans beautifully.
Toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, herbs, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures pairs wonderfully with the simple white beans.
8. Sautéed Greens
For a quick, healthy pairing, try sautéed greens seasoned with olive oil and garlic. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or collards work equally well.
Sauté until just wilted to retain texture. The earthy flavors and nutrition-packed greens make an excellent complement to enhance your bean dish.
9. Steamed Broccoli
Even humble steamed broccoli adds color and freshness as a side for great northern beans. The green florets retain a nice crispness to contrast the creamy bean texture.
Briefly steam until bright green and tender-crisp. Toss with lemon, olive oil, and crushed red pepper for flavor. Enjoy this nutritious duo for a satisfying meatless meal.
10. Greek Salad
A refreshing Greek salad provides the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition to accompany your bean plate.
Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese are dressed in a lemony vinaigrette. The cool, crunchy salad pairs wonderfully with creamy warm beans.
11. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
For lighter fare, try a simple tomato and cucumber salad. The cool, crisp vegetable duo complements rich beans without overpowering their flavor.
Toss chopped garden tomatoes and cucumbers in a red wine vinegar dressing with fresh dill. Chill until serving time for a refreshing partner for hearty beans.
12. Caramelized Onions
For intense flavor, make a batch of sweet, bronzed caramelized onions to serve over your bean dish. Slowly cooking onions coaxes out their natural sugars for the perfect rich, jammy accompaniment.
Drizzle cooked onions with a red wine or balsamic reduction for an even bolder flavor. Their depth and sweetness enhance the simple bean flavors.
13. Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled beets, or giardiniera liven up a bean plate with bursts of acidity and crunch.
The vinegar in the pickling liquid cuts through the bean’s richness. And the variety of flavors and textures complement them wonderfully for a well-rounded meal.
14. Grilled Asparagus
For a simple vegetable pairing, quickly grill up some fresh asparagus spears. The charred smoky notes pair fabulously with creamy beans.
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then grill over medium heat until lightly charred and tender. The perfect springtime partner for hearty bean dishes.
15. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Last but not least, try topping your great northern beans with a baked sweet potato. The natural sweetness balances the beans’ earthy flavor.
Bake whole sweet potatoes until soft and caramelized. Then split open and top with bean stew, chili, or mix together before serving. A sweet and hearty combination!
Tips for Cooking Great Northern Beans
To cook up the creamiest, most flavorful pot of great northern beans:
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Sort through dried beans to remove any debris. Rinse.
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Soak beans for 8 hours or overnight in water. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
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Place soaked beans in a pot and cover with fresh water by several inches.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-3 hours until very soft, adding more water if needed.
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Flavor the beans while cooking by adding aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. Salt later in cooking.
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For quicker bean dishes, substitute canned beans. Just rinse before using.
Whatever side you choose, creamy great northern beans make a hearty, comforting addition to any meal. Enjoy them in stews, chilis, and soups or simply as a plant-based protein served with fresh, seasonal sides. Mix up your pairings and flavors for endless delicious options.
Health Benefits of Legumes
Being legumes, Great Northern beans contribute to a nutrient-rich category studied extensively by nutrition researchers. Increased legume intake correlates with lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Including these beans in your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support overall health. (4)
The common bean traces its roots to the landscapes of South America. The humble bean’s journey starts with the wild bean that is thought to have come from the area that includes southern Ecuador and northern Peru. From here the bean traveled southwards and northwards.
The ancestor wild bean went as far south as Salta in northern Argentina. It changed and adapted to the different climates and ecosystems it encountered. Simultaneously, it spread northwards, reaching the arid expanses of Chihuahua, Mexico. Wildbeans can be found in the same geographic range today.
Around 7,000 years ago, common beans were domesticated. These cultivated beans became valuable commodities, not just for sustenance but also for trade. Through extensive trade networks, they began their northward trajectory, eventually reaching the United States. (5)
Pinto and Great Northern entered the central U.S. moving native peoples, specifically the Mandan Indians, who brought the Great Northern bean as far north as the province of Alberta. (6)
Common beans, especially popular varieties like pinto and great northern beans, are extensively cultivated in the United States. The central U.S. states, often referred to as the “Bean Belt,” including North Dakota, Michigan, and Nebraska, contribute significantly to the countrys bean production. The legacy of bean cultivation by Native American tribes persists in these regions. (7)
What Do Great Northern Beans Tasty Like?
Lets delve into the basics of Great Northern beans to understand their characteristics and culinary applications.
- Common Name: Great Northern beans
- Aliases: “large white“, “common beans”
- Texture: Meaty
- Size: Larger than navy beans and smaller than cannellini beans
- Shape: Oval-shaped beans
- Color: Off white
- Taste: Mild, subtle flavor
- Cooking Time of Dry Beans: 120 minutes after soaking
- Best Culinary Uses: Salad, soup, and chili
Great Northern beans boast a thin skin and tender texture, making them ideal for delicate dishes. They stay together and have a mild, delicate flavor. This makes them perfect for lighter baked dishes, chicken chili, minestrone soup, and cassoulets, where their texture and taste can stand out without taking over the whole dish.
Soup: Great Northern beans are renowned for their ability to absorb flavors, making them perfect for soups. For extra protein and a satisfying, creamy touch, try adding them to a hearty vegetable soup like great northern bean soup, minestrone, or white bean soup. Try this white bean chicken chili recipe and mushroom and turkey soup.
Dip into Deliciousness: Transform great northern beans into a luscious dip. They go well with fresh vegetables or pita chips when mixed with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs to make a smooth and healthy dip.
Mashed Magic: Move over mashed potatoes; great northern beans can be the star of your next mashed dish. Blend them with garlic, butter, and herbs for a flavorful alternative thats rich in protein and fiber.
Baked Goodness: Great northern beans can be a surprising but fantastic addition to baked goods. Try adding them to brownies or cookies for a healthier twist. They’ll add moisture and a mild nutty flavor.
Savory Stews and Casseroles: Enhance the heartiness of stews and casseroles by including great northern beans. Their ability to soak up flavors will give your food a delicious creaminess that will make your taste buds sing.
Bean Burgers and Patties: If you want to get more protein from plants, try making bean burgers or patties with great northern beans. Mix them with breadcrumbs, spices, and your favorite vegetables.
Do not worry if you get to the kitchen ready to cook a tasty recipe and realize you are missing great northern beans. There are other types of beans that can be used instead, each with their own unique tastes and textures. Here are some fantastic substitutes for great northern beans:
Pinto Beans: Pinto beans, with their earthy and slightly nutty flavor, make an excellent substitute for great northern beans. They have a similar creamy texture when cooked, making them a seamless addition to soups, stews, and casseroles. Consider using them in bean salads or mashing them for a hearty side dish.
Black Beans: For a darker and more robust option, black beans are a fantastic alternative. They add a hearty and satisfying element to dishes. For a different take on your favorite bean-based recipes, like dips, burritos, or even brownies, try adding black beans.
White Navy Beans: These beans are about the same size and texture as great northern beans, so they can be used in place of them. They have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Use white navy beans in soups, chowders, and baked dishes to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a superb replacement for great northern beans. They are a little bigger than other nuts and taste nutty. They go well in salads, pasta dishes, and casseroles. Their creamy texture makes them an excellent choice for purees and dips.
First, rinse one pound of dry Great Northern beans under cold water. Then, put them on the stove to cook. Place them in a dutch oven, cover with fresh water, and let them soak overnight at room temperature. The next day, drain and rinse the soaked beans, returning them to the large pot. Add chicken broth, bay leaves, and garlic cloves for aromatic depth. Bring to a gentle boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Add a little salt and red pepper flakes, and cook the beans slowly until they are soft and creamy.
For a quicker and more convenient preparation, use your trusty Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Rinse one pound of dry Great Northern beans under cold water and transfer them to the Instant Pot. Fill the pot with fresh water and set it to “quick soak” for 8 hours. You can also do this at room temperature. Drain and rinse the beans, then add chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and red pepper flakes. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for around 25 minutes. Allow natural release for optimal tenderness.
- The quick soak method is a quick and easy way to get dried beans ready in less time than the traditional overnight soak method. To cook the beans, rinse them and put them in a pot. Add water and quickly bring to a boil. For two to three minutes, cook the beans. Then take them off the heat, cover them, and let them soak in hot water for about an hour.
- Add a Ham Bone: Adding a ham hock will make it taste better. For a smoky and meaty flavor, simmer the ham bone with Great Northern beans, chicken stock or vegetable broth, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes.
- Add herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added to the pot to make it taste better.
Bothy Beans: One of the easiest and tastiest ways to eat beans is right in the tasty broth they were cooked in. Add a little olive oil and fresh parmesan cheese, and serve with a piece of crusty bread.
Add your bean to a bowl of white brown or white rice with pickled onions, chopped fresh vegetables, and your favorite hot sauce. Mix it all together and serve.
Lets start with the nutritional profile of Great Northern beans. The USDA provides the following information for a 1-cup serving of thoroughly cooked (boiled) Great Northern White beans without salt:
- Calories: 122 g
- Protein: 14.7 g
- Fat: 0.79 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.3 g
- Fiber: 12.4 g
- Calcium: 120 mg
- Iron: 3.77 mg
- Magnesium: 88.5 mg
Yes, Great Northern beans are good for you. Let’s look at their health benefits and their advantages based on scientific studies (see the list of all the sources at the end of the post).
Great Northern beans pack an even greater nutritional punch compared to their navy counterparts. Providing around 208 kCal per serving, they offer 37.3 grams of complex carbohydrates, primarily derived from starch. This high fiber content, with 12.3 grams per serving, supports blood sugar regulation, enhances satiety, and improves digestive function. In a country where less than 10% of people meet the recommended daily fiber intake, both Great Northern and navy beans stand out as valuable sources of fiber, making them smart choices for overall health. (1,2)
These white beans are a robust source of protein, with each cup providing 14.5 grams. Vegans and vegetarians often turn to Great Northern beans or other legumes to boost their protein intake. However, its important to note that like other legumes, Great Northern beans are not complete sources of protein, lacking all nine essential amino acids. Pairing them with complementary grains ensures a well-rounded amino acid profile. (3)
How to Make Great Northern Beans | Southern Great Northern Beans | Great Northern Beans Recipe
FAQ
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