Basic Crockpot Beans

Crockpot Beans Recipe with Onions, Garlic, Bay Leaves, and Dried Beans

Preparation time: 4-8 hours (depending on soaking time) | Cooking time: overnight | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

The Basic Crockpot Beans recipe is a testament to the simplicity and heartiness of home cooking. Utilizing the slow-cooking method, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and versatile dish. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe is a staple for anyone looking to incorporate more legumes into their diet. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals or those seeking comfort food with minimal effort.

History

The history of cooking beans in a crockpot or slow cooker dates back to the early 20th century when the first slow cookers were introduced to the market. This method of cooking beans slowly at a low temperature has roots in many cultures, reflecting a universal approach to preparing legumes. The basic crockpot beans recipe, as we know it, evolved from traditional methods of bean preparation, adapting to modern convenience without sacrificing the nutritional value and depth of flavor that comes from slow cooking.

Ingredients

2 chopped onions
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 lb (454 g) dried beans, soaked for 4 hours or overnight
1-2 bay leaves
enough water to cover

How to prepare

Place the ingredients in a crockpot and cook for approximately 4-6 hours on high heat or overnight on low heat. The beans should become soft (small white beans take longer to cook, while pinto beans require less time).
Add spices, vegetables, and other optional ingredients (refer to the variations mentioned above) and continue cooking for another hour.

Variations

1 tsp dried cumin
1 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
1-2 tbsp soy sauce
a few chopped chile peppers
chopped green pepper
1 can chopped tomatoes
some frozen corn (works well with black beans)
0.5 tsp liquid smoke (adds good flavor)
1 tsp cumin
1 can chopped green chilis
chopped green pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce (great with white beans)
1-2 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 cup molasses
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp dried mustard (delicious with pinto or black-eyed peas)
1. Mexican-style: Add cumin, chili powder, and a can of diced tomatoes.
2. Italian-style: Include Italian herbs, garlic, and finish with a swirl of olive oil.
3. Smoky BBQ: Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best outcome for your Basic Crockpot Beans, consider the following tips and tricks:

1. Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and make them more digestible.

2. Always check the beans for any small stones or debris before cooking.

3. Adding a piece of kombu seaweed can help make the beans more digestible and add minerals.

4. Avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes until the beans are tender, as acidity can prevent beans from softening.

5. Use the bean cooking liquid as a flavorful base for soups and stews.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Basic Crockpot Beans as a hearty side dish or as a main course over rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite whole grain. They also make a fantastic filling for burritos, tacos, or as a base for a nourishing bean soup.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking technique used in this recipe ensures that the beans are cooked evenly and thoroughly, absorbing the flavors of the added ingredients. For those looking to expedite the cooking process, a pressure cooker can be used as an alternative, significantly reducing the cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Beans: Feel free to use any type of dried beans you prefer or have on hand.

2. Onions and garlic can be substituted with onion and garlic powder for a quicker prep time.

3. Bay leaves can be replaced with other herbs for different flavor profiles.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. Cooked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient and healthy option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your Basic Crockpot Beans in a beautiful bowl, garnished with fresh herbs or avocado slices. For a more rustic presentation, serve them in a cast-iron skillet, accompanied by warm, crusty bread.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair your Basic Crockpot Beans with rice, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. For a beverage pairing, consider a light-bodied red wine or a crisp beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. Beans can also be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Basic Crockpot Beans is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight. A typical serving contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the specific type of beans used and any additional ingredients.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Basic Crockpot Beans is rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy. Beans are primarily composed of complex carbohydrates, which break down slowly, offering sustained energy without the spikes in blood sugar associated with simple sugars. A single serving can contain approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent energy source for active individuals.

Fats

Beans are naturally low in fat, making Basic Crockpot Beans an ideal dish for those monitoring their fat intake. The total fat content in a serving is typically less than 1 gram. However, the addition of ingredients like olive oil or meat can increase the fat content, so it's important to consider these additions if you're watching your fat intake.

Proteins

Beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making this dish a staple for vegetarians and vegans alike. A single serving of Basic Crockpot Beans can provide about 15 grams of protein, contributing significantly to the daily protein requirements of an average adult. The protein in beans is complemented well by grains, making a complete protein when combined.

Vitamins and minerals

Basic Crockpot Beans are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of B vitamins, particularly folate, which is essential for DNA synthesis and repair. Beans also provide minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Beans are naturally gluten-free and allergen-friendly. However, those with specific food sensitivities or allergies should be mindful of any additional ingredients added to the recipe that may contain allergens.

Summary

Overall, Basic Crockpot Beans offer a nutritious and balanced profile, rich in carbohydrates, low in fats, packed with plant-based proteins, and full of essential vitamins and minerals. It's a low-calorie dish that's versatile and accommodating to various dietary needs.

Summary

The Basic Crockpot Beans recipe is a versatile, nutritious, and comforting dish that showcases the simplicity and satisfaction of slow-cooked meals. With its rich nutritional profile and ease of preparation, it's a perfect addition to any meal plan, offering endless variations to suit any taste. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Basic Crockpot Beans. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of simmering beans filled the air, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was cooking.

Martha smiled and told me that she was making her famous crockpot beans. She explained that it was a simple yet delicious recipe that she had learned from her mother, who had learned it from her own grandmother. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, Martha agreed and began to walk me through the steps. She started by rinsing and sorting through a pound of dried pinto beans, removing any debris or discolored beans. She then placed the beans in a large bowl and covered them with water, allowing them to soak overnight.

The next day, Martha drained the beans and transferred them to her trusty crockpot. She added in chopped onion, minced garlic, a bay leaf, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. To give the beans some extra flavor, she also threw in a ham hock that she had leftover from a previous meal.

Martha poured in enough water to cover the beans and turned the crockpot on low, letting them simmer away for the next six hours. As the beans cooked, the rich aroma of the ham hock and seasonings filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After several hours, Martha checked on the beans and gave them a stir. She tasted a spoonful and adjusted the seasoning, adding a pinch more salt and pepper to suit her taste. She then let the beans continue to cook until they were tender and creamy, ready to be served alongside a piece of warm cornbread.

As Martha dished up a bowl of the beans for me to try, I couldn't help but marvel at how such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious. The beans were perfectly seasoned, with a depth of flavor that only comes from slow cooking. Each bite was a comforting reminder of home and family, a taste of tradition passed down through the generations.

I savored each spoonful of the beans, feeling grateful to Martha for sharing her recipe with me. As I finished my bowl, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen, a comfort food that would bring warmth and nostalgia to every meal.

Since that day, I have made Martha's Basic Crockpot Beans countless times, sharing the recipe with friends and family who have all fallen in love with its simplicity and flavor. Each time I make a pot of beans, I am reminded of that hot summer day in Martha's kitchen, and the gift of a timeless recipe that has brought so much joy to those who have tasted it.

So here it is, my dear grandchildren, the recipe for Basic Crockpot Beans that has been passed down to me through the generations. May you enjoy it as much as I have, and may it fill your hearts and bellies with love and memories of family and tradition. Bon appétit!