Great Northern beans are a versatile and nutritious legume popular in many cuisines. These white beans have a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture that works well in soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. When using canned Great Northern beans, it’s helpful to know the standard amount in a typical can.
A standard 15.5-ounce can of Great Northern beans contains approximately 10 ounces (283.5 grams) of drained beans. This equates to about 1.5 cups of cooked beans. The remaining weight in the can comes from the packing liquid, which is usually water, salt, and sometimes calcium chloride to help maintain the beans’ texture.
For those who prefer to cook dried beans, it’s worth noting that 1 cup of dried Great Northern beans will yield about 3 cups of cooked beans. This is equivalent to roughly two 15.5-ounce cans. Understanding these conversions can be useful when substituting canned beans for dried ones in recipes or vice versa.
Understanding Canned Beans
Canned beans offer convenience and versatility in cooking. They come in various types and sizes, with specific measurements that are important to know for recipe planning and nutritional tracking.
The Basics of Canned Beans
Canned beans are pre-cooked legumes preserved in liquid. They’re ready to eat and require minimal preparation. Common varieties include kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, and pinto beans.
Canned beans are high in fiber and protein. They have a long shelf life and are often more affordable than their dried counterparts.
Most canned beans come packed in water or brine. Draining and rinsing can reduce sodium content by up to 40%.
Great Northern Beans Overview
Great Northern beans are medium-sized white beans with a mild, delicate flavor. They’re known for their smooth texture and ability to absorb flavors well.
These beans are rich in fiber and protein. They’re commonly used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
A standard can of Great Northern beans typically contains:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) total weight
- 10 ounces (283 grams) of beans after draining
- Approximately 1.5 cups of cooked beans
Can Sizes and Measurements
Bean can sizes vary, but the most common is the 15-ounce (425 gram) can. Other sizes include:
- 8-ounce (227 gram) cans
- 19-ounce (539 gram) cans
- 29-ounce (822 gram) cans
For recipe conversions:
- 1 can (15 oz) = 1.5 cups cooked beans
- 1 pound dried beans = 6-7 cups cooked beans
- 1 cup dried beans = 3 cups cooked beans
When substituting canned for dried beans, use these ratios:
- 1 can (15 oz) = 1/2 cup dried beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) = 1 pound dried beans
Cooking and Using Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans are versatile legumes that can be prepared in various ways and incorporated into many dishes. Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for soups, stews, salads, and more.
Preparing Great Northern Beans
To prepare canned Great Northern beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly. This removes excess sodium and starch. For dried beans, sort through them to remove any debris, then rinse well. Soak dried beans overnight or use a quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.
Cook soaked beans by simmering in water or broth for 1-2 hours until tender. Add salt near the end of cooking to prevent toughening. An Instant Pot can speed up the process, cooking beans in about 30 minutes.
Season beans with garlic, onion, herbs, and spices for added flavor. Avoid acidic ingredients until beans are fully cooked, as they can interfere with softening.
Great Northern Beans in Recipes
Great Northern beans work well in many recipes. They’re excellent in soups and stews, adding creaminess and protein. Try them in white chicken chili or vegetarian bean stew.
Create a refreshing bean salad by combining cooked beans with diced vegetables, herbs, and a vinaigrette dressing. For a hearty main dish, sauté beans with garlic and olive oil, then serve over rice or with crusty bread.
Mash cooked beans to make dips or spreads. Blend them into creamy soups for added thickness and nutrition. Great Northern beans can also replace other white beans in most recipes.
Beans Conversion and Yields
A standard 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans contains about 1.5 cups of cooked beans when drained. This is equivalent to roughly 1/2 cup of dry beans.
When cooking dry beans:
- 1 cup dry beans = 3 cups cooked beans
- 1 pound dry beans = 6-7 cups cooked beans
For recipes, use these approximate equivalents:
- 1 (15 oz) can = 1.5 cups cooked beans
- 2 (15 oz) cans = 1 pound dry beans (cooked)
Keep in mind that beans absorb liquid during cooking, so adjust recipes accordingly when substituting canned for dry beans or vice versa.
Nutritional Profile of Great Northern Beans
Great northern beans pack a powerful nutritional punch. These legumes offer a wealth of essential nutrients and health benefits, making them a valuable addition to any diet.
Macro- and Micronutrients
Great northern beans are rich in protein, with one cup providing around 15 grams. This makes them an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
They’re also low in fat, containing less than 1 gram per cup. The beans are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, offering about 37 grams per cup.
Folate is abundant in great northern beans, with a single serving providing over 25% of the daily recommended intake. This B-vitamin is crucial for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.
The beans are also high in phosphorus and manganese, important minerals for bone health and metabolism. They contain significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and potassium as well.
Dietary Fiber and Health Benefits
Great northern beans are a fiber powerhouse, containing approximately 12 grams per cup. This high fiber content aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
The soluble fiber in these beans may help lower cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for people managing diabetes.
The combination of fiber and protein in great northern beans supports weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake. Their low glycemic index further contributes to stable blood sugar levels.
Regular consumption of these beans may also support gut health due to their prebiotic properties, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Comparing Beans and Legumes
Great Northern beans belong to a diverse family of legumes. These versatile ingredients offer unique nutritional profiles and culinary applications.
Great Northern Beans versus Other Legumes
Great Northern beans are medium-sized white beans with a mild, nutty flavor. They contain about 15 grams of protein per cup, similar to lima beans.
Red kidney beans are larger and have a stronger taste. They provide slightly more protein at 16 grams per cup.
Black beans offer 15 grams of protein per cup and have a dense, meaty texture.
Lentils stand out with 18 grams of protein per cup and cook faster than most beans.
| Bean Type | Protein (g/cup) | Texture | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Northern | 15 | Creamy | Mild |
| Red Kidney | 16 | Firm | Strong |
| Black | 15 | Dense | Earthy |
| Lentils | 18 | Soft | Peppery |
Legume Diversity in the Kitchen
Legumes offer varied textures and flavors for diverse culinary uses. Adzuki beans have a sweet, nutty taste ideal for desserts.
Black-eyed peas work well in Southern dishes and salads. Mung beans are common in Asian cuisine, often used for sprouts.
Pink beans make excellent refried beans. Small beans like navy beans are perfect for soups and stews.
Each legume type absorbs flavors differently. This trait allows cooks to create unique dishes by pairing beans with complementary ingredients.
Dried beans require soaking but offer more control over texture and salt content compared to canned varieties.
