Homestead Hack: Leftover Great Northern Beans

by Texas Homesteader~ 

Recently I cooked some great northern beans. They were delicious & we enjoyed them as a side dish for that evening’s meal. I served them later in the week as a quick side dish also.

Great Northern beans are not only versatile but also nutritious. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. For those who enjoy cooking, understanding the various uses of Northern beans can be beneficial. They can be incorporated into soups, salads, and even baked dishes, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.

One exciting way to serve Great Northern beans is in a hearty bean salad. Combine cooked beans with diced vegetables, such as bell peppers and red onions, and toss with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing dish. Add some feta cheese for a creamy texture that complements the beans beautifully.

Another delicious option is to incorporate Great Northern beans into a chili recipe. Their mild flavor allows them to absorb the spices and flavors of the chili, creating a comforting dish perfect for colder days. Consider adding diced tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices to elevate the taste.

But then I wondered… Is there a more exciting way to serve these beans that will have RancherMan smacking his lips?

Well yes, yes there is! Check out this Homestead Hack!

For an Italian twist, try mixing Great Northern beans with pasta and pesto. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying meal option. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

In addition to traditional cooking methods, you can also roast Great Northern beans for a crunchy snack. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake until crispy. This provides a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks.

Furthermore, consider blending Great Northern beans into smoothies for a protein boost. Adding them to fruit smoothies can enhance both the texture and the nutritional value, providing a unique way to enjoy this legume without compromising flavor.

It’s important to remember that leftover Great Northern beans can be stored properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can enjoy their deliciousness in various meals throughout the week.

When experimenting with Great Northern beans, don’t hesitate to combine them with other legumes for even more flavor and nutrition. Mixing different types of beans not only enhances the taste but also provides a variety of textures in your dishes.

For those who enjoy spicy flavors, consider adding jalapeños or chili powder to your Great Northern bean dishes. This can elevate the overall flavor profile and cater to those who appreciate a bit of heat in their meals.

Additionally, Great Northern beans can be a fantastic addition to your breakfast. Incorporate them into an omelet or scramble for a protein-rich start to your day. Pair it with avocado and whole-grain toast for a balanced meal.

I often make dried beans using my pressure cooker. I’m a ‘Cook-Once, Eat-Twice‘ cook. Meaning I like to cook lots of one item and use it either again later in the week, or as a completely different dish as part of my Planned Leftovers meals.

So when I’m cooking dried beans I usually cook the whole bag. Even though I know it’s way more than RancherMan & I can eat in one sitting.

Another great idea is to create a bean dip using Great Northern beans. Blend them with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini for a creamy appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it with vegetables or pita chips for a healthy snack option.

Then we’ll either consume those beans over several days or I’ll freeze the remainder for another time.

But there I was, staring at those leftover great  northern beans.

Ultimately, the key to enjoying Great Northern beans is to be creative and adaptable in your cooking. Their mild flavor makes them an excellent canvas for various spices and ingredients, allowing you to experiment without limits.

Kinda boring. Especially as leftovers…

Then I thought, “Hey, although they’re not garbanzos, they’re still white beans.

Maybe I can use them and my Homemade Hummus spices to make hummus out of them!”

So I gave it a try. I brought out my trusty *Ninja Blender, added a few spices and whipped it into smooth deliciousness in no time at all!

RancherMan went from being willing to eat those leftover beans because he hates food waste as much as I do, to being actually excited about the leftovers.

He loves to slather the hummus onto a warmed tortilla for a quick snack.

Those leftover beans were gone in a flash!

So now when I make great northern beans we’ll go ahead & enjoy them as a side dish that night. Maybe even reuse them as a side another night too.

But then I’ll bring out my blender, add my spices and make them into leftovers that are fun to eat!

There’s never (EVER) leftover hummus in our Household.

#NoFoodWaste

~TxH~

Links In This Post

• Cook-Once, Eat-Twice Cooking
• Planned Leftovers: Carnitas Tacos From Leftover Roast
• Stupid-Easy Homemade Hummus in Minutes
• *Ninja 400-Watt Blender