Crockpot Great Northern Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cups Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian options)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)
• Crumbled feta cheese (for a savory touch, optional)
• Hot sauce (for those who love a kick, optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water and inspect for any debris or damaged beans. Soak them overnight in water or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the sautéed mixture into the crockpot. Add the soaked Great Northern beans, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Stir until well combined.
4. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. Check the beans after the minimum cooking time; if they’re still firm, give them a little more time.
5. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the crockpot and stir. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Ladle the beans into bowls and top with fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese if desired.