Go Back
–+ servings
Brothy Great Northern Beans in a bowl topped with a slice of lemon.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Brother Great Northern Beans

This Brothy Great Northern Beans recipe is my favorite way to make dried beans. They are simple but so flavorful with flavors like garlic, onion, and fresh lemon zest. This is the perfect cozy recipe for the colder months.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Soaking Time6 hours
Total Time7 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 Cups
Calories: 166kcal
Author: Megan Calipari
Cost: $4

Equipment

  • 1 5-7 Quart Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chefs Knife
  • 1 Large Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Dry Great Northern Beans
  • 3 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 Large Cloves of Garlic, peeled but left whole
  • 7 Cups Water, plus more for soaking
  • 1 Medium Bay Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • Black Pepper to Taste

Instructions

  • Rinse and pick through the beans, then place them in a large bowl. Add enough water to the bowl to cover the beans by 2 inches. Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-6 hours, or until they have doubled in size (see note). Then, drain the beans.
    1 Pound Dry Great Northern Beans
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic cloves and cook, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes or until the onion have browned.
    3 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 Large Yellow Onion, cut into 1-inch pieces, 6 Large Cloves of Garlic, peeled but left whole
  • Add drained and soaked beans, along with 7 cups of water, bay leaves, oregano, fennel seeds, and lemon zest. Season with one teaspoon of kosher salt and plenty of black pepper.
    7 Cups Water, plus more for soaking, 1 Medium Bay Leaves, 1 teaspoon Oregano, 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds, Zest of 1 Lemon
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the seat to low and place the lid onto the pot. Simmer the beans, stirring occasionally, for 75-90 minutes or until the beans are soft all the way through.
  • Remove from heat and add the lemon juice along with ½-1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Serve as desired.
    2 tablespoon Lemon Juice

Notes

How long you soak the beans will affect the cooking time. If you soak the beans longer, the beans may cook faster, while a shorter soaking time will lengthen the cook time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg