Southern Green Beans Recipe
These Easy Southern Style Green Beans are the best thing you’ll make this week! Slow-simmered green beans and potatoes are made even more flavorful with smoked turkey necks in this classic Southern recipe. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish brings a taste of the South to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor – The combination of smoked turkey necks and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory broth that enhances the taste of every ingredient.
- Easy Preparation – With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Versatile Dish – This Southern green beans recipe pairs well with various main courses, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Southern green beans, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot – A must-have for simmering large quantities of ingredients evenly. It allows for proper cooking without overflow.
- Sharp knife – Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely. A good knife makes prep work faster.
Ingredients
For the Broth
- 8-10 cups water (or as needed)
- 6 meaty smoked turkey necks (or smoked ham hocks)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- seasoning salt
For the Vegetables
- 1 lb small to medium red potatoes (quartered)
- 2 lbs string beans (stemmed and halved crosswise)
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
How to Make Southern Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large stockpot over high heat, combine the water and turkey necks. Bring to a rolling boil. Turn the heat down to a low boil, cover, and cook for 2 hours.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients
After 2 hours, check if more water is needed just to cover the necks. Then add the onion, garlic, and bouillon powder. Stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust with seasoning salt if necessary. The broth should taste slightly salty but rich.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the quartered potatoes and string beans to the pot. Re-cover and continue cooking at a low boil until the potatoes are quite tender and beans are soft, about 45 minutes. Stir in black pepper and taste for seasoning again before removing from heat.
Step 4: Shred the Turkey Neck Meat
Carefully pull out turkey necks from the broth once they cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bones while discarding skin and bones. Add shredded meat back into the broth.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve generous portions of beans, potatoes, broth, and meat in bowls for a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love!
How to Serve Southern Green Beans Recipe
Serving Southern Green Beans is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. These green beans, enriched with smoky flavors and tender potatoes, pair well with various dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Cornbread
- Classic Pairing: Serve these green beans alongside warm cornbread for a comforting meal. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory flavors of the beans.
As a Side to Fried Chicken
- Southern Staple: Enjoy your Southern green beans as a side dish to crispy fried chicken. This combination brings out the best of Southern cuisine.
Over Rice
- Hearty Option: Spoon the green bean mixture over a bed of fluffy white rice. This adds substance to your meal, making it more filling.
With Grilled Meat
- Flavorful Contrast: Pair these green beans with grilled meats like steak or pork chops. The smoky turkey flavor in the beans enhances the grilled taste of the meat.
In a Salad
- Fresh Twist: Mix leftover Southern green beans into a fresh salad for added texture and flavor. Toss them with greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.
How to Perfect Southern Green Beans Recipe
Perfecting your Southern Green Beans requires attention to detail and a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines for delicious results every time.
- Use quality meat: Choose meaty smoked turkey necks or ham hocks for deeper flavor in your broth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavor.
- Don’t rush cooking: Allow the beans and potatoes to cook until tender for the best texture and taste.
- Add acid at the end: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Southern Green Beans Recipe
Southern Green Beans can shine even brighter when paired with other delectable side dishes. Here are some perfect accompaniments that work harmoniously together.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover broth.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the green beans.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with these savory beans.
- Hush Puppies: Golden hush puppies provide a delightful crunch alongside tender green beans.
- Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra offers a great textural contrast while keeping with Southern flavors.
- Potato Salad: A tangy potato salad complements the flavors of smoked turkey in your green beans.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is another quintessential side that enhances this classic dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables add color and healthiness to your table setting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Southern Green Beans Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the soak: Not soaking the turkey necks can lead to less flavor. Make sure to soak them in water for a few hours before cooking.
- Overcooking the beans: Cooking the string beans too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by checking them frequently.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always taste the broth and adjust salt or spices accordingly before serving.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality turkey necks or vegetables can affect flavor. Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the cooking process can result in tough meat and undercooked potatoes. Allow enough time for all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Southern Green Beans Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Southern Green Beans Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Southern Green Beans Recipe:
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes! Fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are cleaned and trimmed before adding them to the pot.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version of Southern Green Beans Recipe, replace turkey necks with smoked mushrooms or vegetable broth.
What sides go well with Southern Green Beans?
Southern Green Beans pair wonderfully with cornbread, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes. They make an excellent addition to any meal!
Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this Southern Green Beans Recipe by cooking it on low in a slow cooker for about 6-8 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Green Beans Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different meats or spices according to your preference. It’s perfect as a comforting side dish that everyone will love! Try making it today and enjoy warm, cozy flavors that remind you of home.
Southern Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Southern Green Beans Recipe, a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Southern cooking. Slow-simmered with meaty smoked turkey necks and tender potatoes, these green beans create a savory broth that enhances every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. With easy preparation and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 8–10 cups water
- 6 meaty smoked turkey necks or ham hocks
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 lb small to medium red potatoes (quartered)
- 2 lbs string beans (stemmed and halved crosswise)
- Seasoning salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over high heat, combine water and turkey necks. Bring to a rolling boil; then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add onion, garlic, bouillon powder, and seasoning salt; stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add quartered potatoes and string beans; cover and cook at a low boil until vegetables are tender (about 45 minutes). Stir in black pepper before removing from heat.
- Once cooled slightly, shred turkey neck meat from bones and return it to the pot.
- Serve hot in bowls with broth for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
