Great Northern Beans with Leeks and Bacon

By peach106

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried Great Northern beans
• 4 slices thick-sliced bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and
• ten der green parts (2 bunches)
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Coarsely ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place beans in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 1 hour. Drain beans and return to pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, but not mushy, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Drain beans, reserving some cooking water. Return beans to pan.

2. Place bacon in a large skillet; cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add olive oil to skillet. Add leeks and garlic; sauté 10 minutes. Add to beans. Crumble bacon and add to beans with salt and pepper. Add cooking water if beans seem dry. Serve hot.