Can I cook these beans without soaking them first?

Yes, you can skip the soaking step, but you'll need to increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes in the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that unsoaked beans may not cook as evenly and can cause more digestive discomfort for some people.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Prepare everything as directed, but simmer in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 1.5-2 hours, or until beans are tender. You may need to add more liquid as they cook.

My beans are still firm after the cooking time. What went wrong?

The age of your beans could be the culprit. Older beans take longer to cook. If your beans aren't tender, simply cook them for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure. Also, acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) can prevent beans from softening, so always add those after beans are tender.

How can I thicken the broth if it's too soupy?

Remove about 1/4 cup of beans, mash them thoroughly with a fork, and stir them back into the pot. You can also simmer the mixture with the lid off for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Hearty Great Northern Beans Recipe

Name: Hearty Great Northern Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound great northern beans; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cups water; 13 1/2 ounces chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups smoked ham, cut into cubes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Description

This hearty Great Northern Beans recipe features tender beans simmered with smoky ham, aromatic onion and garlic, and flavorful spices. Made conveniently in the Instant Pot, it offers a quick, comforting, and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Ideal for meal prep, it’s delicious served warm and stores beautifully for later.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound great northern beans
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
4 cups water
13 1/2 ounces chicken broth
1 1/2 cups smoked ham, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cloves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Soak the Beans: Rinse the great northern beans thoroughly in a colander and remove any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and allow to soak overnight, or for at least 10 minutes if you’re short on time.
Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to the Instant Pot. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, water, chicken broth, smoked ham cubes, salt, pepper, paprika, and cloves to the pot.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. If beans were only soaked for 10 minutes, increase cooking time by an additional 10 minutes.
Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Season and Serve: Open the lid, taste the beans, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the beans warm, garnished as preferred.

Notes

If you soak the beans for only 10 minutes, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Store cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
The cooked beans can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat beans in the microwave in 30-second increments, or gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 330
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 13g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 20mg