Slow Cooker Brothy Beans Recipes

MIX-AND-MATCH BROTHY BEANS

Steps:

• For the brothy beans: Put the beans in a large bowl with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Soak in the refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.
• Drain and rinse the beans. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked meat if using and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisped, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the onion and other chopped vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 3 minutes.
• For the aromatics: Add the aromatics of your choice (use up to 3) and cook, stirring, until sizzling, about 1 minute.
• Add the beans and bay leaves along with cold water to cover by about 2 inches (8 to 9 cups). Submerge the woody herb sprigs in the water if using. Bring to a simmer, partially cover the pot with the lid and cook until the beans are very tender, 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the type of bean.
• To serve, remove and discard the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons according to your taste. Stir in the fresh herbs.
• Italian: Follow the recipe using cannellini beans, pancetta, celery, carrots, garlic, rosemary and parsley.
• Latin: Follow the recipe using black beans, ham, bell pepper, tomato, sofrito, jalapeno and cilantro.
• Cajun: Follow the recipe using black eyed peas, andouille, celery, bell pepper, tomato paste, thyme and chives.
• Tex-Mex: Follow the recipe using pinto beans, celery, carrot, garlic, adobo sauce and cilantro.

SLOW COOKER BAKED BEANS

Steps:

• Drain the beans, cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 1 hour.
• Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a slow cooker insert. Add the tomato puree, brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, bacon, onion and 1 1/2 cups water and stir to combine. Cook on low until the sauce is thick and syrupy, 8 to 10 hours.
• Before serving, stir in the cider vinegar and season to taste with salt.

SLOW-COOKER PINTO BEANS

Steps:

• Put the beans, chicken broth, pickled jalapeños and brine from the jar in a 4-to-7-quart slow cooker. Stir in the oregano, cumin, garlic, bay leaves, cilantro stems if using and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook on high until the beans are tender but still hold their shape, 8 to 10 hours.
• Remove and discard the bay leaves. Use the back of a spoon to smash the garlic cloves, then stir them into the beans. Serve topped with the cheese, cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

SLOW-COOKER BEANS

Steps:

• In a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, add the beans, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and your selection of flavorings. Add water to cover 2 inches above the beans, then cook on low until tender, 8 to 10 hours. To test for doneness, taste more than one bean to ensure they're all cooked through; they should flatten without much effort when pressed between your fingers. (If you plan to eat your beans cold, cook them a bit past tender, as they'll firm as they cool.) Season to taste with salt.
• Let cool slightly, then eat right away or store beans in their liquid in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

SLOW COOKER BREAKFAST BEANS

Steps:

• Heat the slow cooker if necessary. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion until it starts to brown, then add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Add the vinegar and sugar and bubble for a minute. Stir in the beans and passata and season with black pepper. Tip everything into the slow cooker.
• Cook on Low for 5 hours. If the sauce seems a little thin turn the heat to High and cook for a few more minutes. Stir through the coriander.

SLOW-COOKER SWEET MAPLE BAKED BEANS

Steps:

• In 6-quart Dutch oven, heat beans and 10 cups water to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 2 hours; drain. (You are just precooking the beans; they don't have to be soft.)
• In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix beans and remaining ingredients.
• Cover and cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until beans are very tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.