Savory Southern Great Northern Beans with Pork
Experience the rich, comforting flavors of the South with this Savory Southern Great Northern Beans recipe. Cooked in a slow cooker, these hearty beans are infused with the smoky essence of pork, resulting in a thick, flavorful gravy that's perfect for soaking up with cornbread. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is a staple in Southern households. Serve it with a refreshing glass of sweet tea and warm cornbread for an authentic Southern feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
10
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Great Northern Beans
1 lb (Rinsed and sorted)
Water
2 quarts (Added as needed)
Salt
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Boneless Pork Chop or Ham Bone
1 (Add whole)
Hot Pepper Flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste or use a whole dried red hot chili pepper)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Added to the pot)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the great northern beans under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged beans.
2
Pour the rinsed beans into a 4-6 quart crock pot.
3
Add enough water to the pot to cover the beans by about an inch.
4
Incorporate the butter, salt, hot pepper flakes (or whole dried chili if preferred), and the boneless pork chop or ham bone into the pot.
5
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for 2 hours.
6
After 2 hours, switch the cooker to low and allow the beans to cook for another 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally, checking the liquid level in the pot.
7
Be mindful not to add too much water at once, as you want to maintain a thick gravy. Adjust the water level only as necessary.
8
Once the beans are tender and the gravy is thick, shred the pork chop or remove the meat from the ham bone, discarding any bones.
9
If you used a whole dried chili pepper, remove it at this point to avoid any accidental bites.
10
To thicken the gravy, slightly ajar the lid of the crock pot to allow steam to escape, or if too thick, mix in 1/4 cup of water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
11
Season the dish with additional salt and pepper according to your taste.
12
Serve the beans hot alongside warm, buttered cornbread and a glass of Southern sweet tea for an unforgettable meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of Great Northern Beans.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 10 servings.
Can I use a ham bone instead of a pork chop?
Yes, you can use either a boneless pork chop or a ham bone to add smoky flavor to the beans.
What is the initial cooking time on high in the crock pot?
The beans should be cooked on high for the first 2 hours.
How long should the beans cook on the low setting?
After the initial 2 hours on high, cook the beans on low for an additional 4 to 5 hours.
How much water should I add to the crock pot initially?
Add enough water to cover the beans by about one inch.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in these Southern beans?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 4-6 quart crock pot is ideal for this recipe.
How do I thicken the bean gravy?
You can leave the lid slightly ajar during the final stages of cooking to allow steam to escape.
What should I do if the gravy is too thick?
Gradually mix in 1/4 cup of water until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the best way to serve these beans?
Serve them hot with warm, buttered cornbread and a glass of Southern sweet tea.
How do I prepare the beans before cooking?
Rinse the beans under cold water and sort through them to remove any debris or damaged beans.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice comes from 1.5 teaspoons of hot pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your taste.
Can I use a whole dried chili instead of flakes?
Yes, a whole dried red hot chili pepper can be used as a substitute for the flakes.
When should I shred the pork chop?
Shred the pork chop once the beans are tender and the gravy has reached the desired thickness.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for added richness.
Should I stir the beans while they cook?
Yes, stir occasionally to check the liquid level and ensure even cooking.
How much salt is needed for the recipe?
The recipe starts with 1 tablespoon of salt, but you can add more at the end to suit your taste.
How much pepper is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pepper.
What should I do with the ham bone after cooking?
Remove the meat from the bone, then discard the bone before serving.
Do I need to soak the beans overnight?
This slow cooker method does not require overnight soaking; simply rinse and sort them.
Can I add more water during the cooking process?
Yes, but adjust the water level only as necessary to maintain a thick gravy.
What if I used a whole chili pepper?
Be sure to remove the whole chili pepper before serving to avoid accidental bites.
Is this a traditional Southern dish?
Yes, it is described as a staple in Southern households, often served at family gatherings.
What kind of texture should the gravy have?
The recipe aims for a thick, flavorful gravy perfect for soaking up with bread.
Is the pork chop added whole or sliced?
The pork chop is added whole and shredded later once it is tender.
Can I use different types of white beans?
While this recipe specifies Great Northern Beans, other white beans could be used, though cooking times may vary.