Homemade Great Northern Beans, Rice & Cornbread

That sounds like a hearty, comforting Southern-style meal! Here’s a simple guide to making Homemade Great Northern Beans, Rice, and Cornbread from scratch:

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🫘 Homemade Great Northern Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried Great Northern beans (about 2 cups)

• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or veggie)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 smoked ham hock or 4–6 slices bacon (optional for flavor)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans (optional, but helps with digestion):

   • Cover beans with water and soak overnight, or use a quick soak (boil for 2 mins, turn off heat, soak for 1 hour).

2. Cook the beans:

   • In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until soft.

   • Add drained beans, water or broth, and ham hock/bacon if using.

   • Stir in seasonings and bay leaf.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 1.5–2 hours, or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf and ham hock before serving.

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🍚 Simple Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups water or broth

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp butter or oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring water (and butter/oil) to a boil.

2. Stir in rice and salt, reduce heat to low.

3. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.

4. Turn off heat and let sit (covered) for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

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🍞 Southern Skillet Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup melted butter or oil

• 1 tbsp butter for the skillet

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Place a cast iron skillet in the oven while it heats.

3. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until just combined.

6. Carefully remove skillet, add 1 tbsp butter to coat the pan.

7. Pour batter into hot skillet and smooth top.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

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🥣 Serving Suggestion:

Plate the rice, spoon beans over the top, and serve with a warm wedge of cornbread on the side. Add hot sauce, chopped onions, or chow-chow relish for extra kick.