Rinse and Soak the Beans:
Commence by thoroughly rinsing the dried Great Northern beans under cold running water, removing any potential debris or stones.
Place the rinsed beans in a spacious bowl, ensuring they are sufficiently covered with water, leaving about a 2-inch submersion. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours. This soaking process aids in softening the beans and reducing their cooking time.
Drain and Rinse:
After the soaking period, diligently drain and rinse the beans.
Prepare the Crockpot:
In the base of your crockpot, arrange the finely diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, and any optional enhancements you desire, such as a ham hock, bacon, or smoked sausage.
Add the Beans:
Position the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans atop the onion and garlic mixture.
Season and Add Water:
Sprinkle the beans with salt and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Pour 6 cups of water over the beans, ensuring they are entirely submerged.
Cook in the Crockpot:
Securely cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for a span of 6-8 hours, or until the beans attain the desired tenderness. It’s prudent to begin checking for doneness around the 6-hour mark, although cooking times may vary depending on the specific crockpot model.
Remove Bay Leaves:
Around the halfway point of the cooking duration, if preferred, you may remove the bay leaves.
Serve:
Upon achieving the desired tenderness and fully cooking the Great Northern beans, remove any optional enhancements like ham hocks or bay leaves.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
These delectable Great Northern beans can be served as a splendid side dish or incorporated into a myriad of recipes, including soups, stews, or casseroles.
Enjoy!
