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 pantry staple loved for their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. Their ability to take on the flavors of other ingredients makes them an ideal addition to soups, stews, casseroles and more. But before you can enjoy them, you first need to cook them properly. So how long does it take to cook Great Northern beans on the stove until tender?
When cooking dried Great Northern beans on the stovetop, you can expect them to take 60-120 minutes to become fully tender. However, cook times can vary based on a few factors. Read on for more details on the Great Northern bean cooking process from start to finish.
An Overview of Cooking Dried Beans
Dried beans require hydrating and prolonged simmering to become tender and ready to eat Soaking them first shortens the cooking time
General guidelines for cooking common dried beans
- Small beans (black, navy): 45-90 minutes
- Medium beans (Great Northern, pinto): 60-120 minutes
- Large beans (lima, cannellini): 80-180 minutes
Great Northerns fall into the medium bean category, taking about 1-2 hours on the stove. Exact time depends on the age of the beans, soaking time, water temperature and more. Let’s look closer at each step.
Step 1: Soaking the Beans
Soaking dried Great Northern beans before cooking is recommended to reduce cooking time and improve texture. Beans swell as they absorb water during soaking.
- Overnight method: Cover beans with water and soak 8-12 hours or up to 24 hours. Drain, rinse.
- Quick-soak: Boil beans 2 minutes, remove from heat and soak 1 hour. Drain, rinse.
Soaking times can be adjusted based on bean freshness. Older beans may need more time to adequately hydrate.
Step 2: Rinsing the Beans
After soaking, always drain the bean soaking water and give them a thorough rinse. This removes any compounds that contribute to gas production. Rinsing also washes away loose bean skins for creamier texture.
Step 3: Adding Water andCooking Beans
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Place rinsed beans in a pot and cover with fresh water by 2-3 inches. Using more water allows beans to cook evenly.
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Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmering beans slowly and steadily is key.
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Partially cover pot with lid to allow steam to escape.
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Cooking time from simmering start to tender beans is 1-2 hours for Great Northerns.
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Check beans periodically to ensure they remain covered by 1 inch water. Top up if needed to prevent scorching.
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Test doneness after 1 hour simmering. Beans should be soft all the way through but retain shape.
Factors that Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact the cooking time required to get tender Great Northern beans:
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Bean freshness – Older, drier beans take longer. Buy beans from stores with good turnover.
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Soaking time – Longer soaking equals less cooking time. A quick-soak speeds the process.
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Water temperature – Hotter temperature cooks beans faster. Use highest heat then lower to simmer.
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Water amount – Lots of water surrounds beans evenly for even cooking.
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Salt and acids – Adding before beans are tender can prevent softening.
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Altitude – Higher altitudes increase cooking time.
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Pot material – Heavier pots retain heat that beans need.
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Bean size – Larger beans take longer than smaller beans.
Knowing these factors helps troubleshoot bean cooking issues. Old or improperly soaked beans often need extra time.
Tips for Cooking Great Northern Beans
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked Great Northern beans every time:
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Pick over beans and rinse before soaking.
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Soak beans 8-12 hours or quick-soak 1 hour.
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Drain soaking water, rinse beans.
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Cover beans with 2-3 inches fresh water in pot.
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Bring to a boil then lower to a gentle simmer.
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Cook 60-120 minutes, tasting to check doneness.
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Keep beans submerged in water throughout cooking.
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Add salt and acidic ingredients like tomato near the end.
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Use a heavy pot to maintain steady heat.
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Adjust time for higher altitudes.
Checking Doneness of Cooked Beans
With experience, you will know when Great Northern beans are perfectly done by looking and tasting. Signs of fully cooked beans:
- Creamy, tender all the way through but not falling apart
- Easily crushed between fingers
- No crunchy or chalky bean centers
- Hold basic shape but are soft
Undercooked beans will have a firm, crunchy center. Overcooked beans turn mushy and start to disintegrate.
Uses for Cooked Great Northern Beans
Once cooked, Great Northern beans offer amazing versatility in recipes:
- Fold into soups, stews and chilies to add protein, fiber and texture
- Mash beans with olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs for spreads
- Purée cooked beans for thick, creamy dips and sauces
- Toss whole cooked beans with veggies, greens and vinaigrette for protein-packed salads
- Mix into enchilada, taco, burrito and quesadilla fillings
- Make classic Italian minestrone and pasta e fagioli soups
- Blend into hummus or bean dip in place of or with chickpeas
- Add to baked bean casseroles along with aromatics and sauce
With a batch of perfectly cooked Great Northern beans ready to go in the fridge, quick meals are never more than a short prep away!
Key Takeaways on Cooking Times
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Plan 60-120 minutes to cook dried Great Northern beans on the stove until tender.
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Soak beans before cooking to reduce total cooking time.
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Quick-soak beans in boiling water for 1 hour or soak 8-24 hours.
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Simmer beans gently in ample water with lid ajar. Check doneness starting at 1 hour.
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Factor in bean age, soaking time, water amount and other elements that impact cook times.
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Great Northerns should become totally tender while still holding their shape.
Now that you know approximately how long Great Northern beans take to cook, it’s time to put your new skills into practice! Try simmering up a batch today to enjoy in all kinds of delicious recipes through the week.
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
How long does it take to cook Great Northern beans without soaking?
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Do Great Northern beans have to be soaked before cooking?