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Creamy One-Pot Great Northern Beans: A Hearty & Healthy Comfort Food Classic

Discover the best Great Northern beans recipe! This easy, one-pot dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 -6
Course: Comfort Food
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 15-ounce cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, stems removed and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the rinsed Great Northern beans, diced tomatoes, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. For an even creamier texture, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with your spoon.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
  6. Ladle the creamy Great Northern beans into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.