2905. GREAT NORTHERNS with LEEKS and BACON

yields six servings 


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 tender green parts (2 bunches) 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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.

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


bacon recipe courtesy of: Nancy Krcek Allen, Relish