Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Great Northern beans, dried
  • 4 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (add to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water. Soak in a bowl filled with plenty of water for at least 4 hours or overnight (optional but recommended for shorter cooking time).
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add salt, bay leaf, cumin, and black pepper.
  4. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until tender (check after 30 minutes, may need additional time).
  5. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add diced onion, and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Combine with cooked beans for added flavor.
  6. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.