Great Nothern Beans With Leeks And Bacon - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

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, for 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 with a slotted spoon and set aside. 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.