Savory Southern Style Green Beans

Welcome to the heart and soul of Southern cooking with my beloved recipe for Southern Green Beans. Passed down from my grandmother, these green beans are a true taste of tradition and comfort. Slow-cooked with meaty smoked turkey necks, these green beans are anything but ordinary. The infusion of flavors from the turkey necks, along with tender potatoes, creates a dish hearty enough to stand on its own.

I vividly remember the aroma of these Southern Green Beans wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen in Georgia, a scent that brings back cherished memories with every simmer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family meal, these green beans have a way of winning over even the most skeptical vegetable eater. In fact, my city cousin, who claims to detest veggies, couldn’t resist seconds and thirds of these flavorful beans at Thanksgiving.

Whether you opt for smoked ham hocks or choose the leaner option of turkey necks, the key lies in the slow cooking process that transforms these humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a taste of the South with these soul-warming Southern Green Beans.

Quick Benefits

• Slow-cooking process infuses green beans with smoky, meaty goodness
• Hearty dish with potatoes makes it a satisfying meal on its own
• Versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of main dishes
• Adaptable for different preferences – can be made low-sodium or spicier with simple modifications

Why You’ll Love This Savory Southern Style Green Beans Recipe

• Slow-Cooked Flavor: These green beans are simmered until tender, infusing them with smoky, meaty goodness from turkey necks or ham hocks, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is a true comfort food.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With the addition of potatoes, this dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a holiday feast.
• Family Favorite: Even vegetable skeptics can’t resist these beans – the dish is so loved that it has become an expected staple at family gatherings and holiday meals.
• Versatile Options: You can use smoked ham hocks as an alternative to turkey necks, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or add variations like jalapeños or apple cider vinegar for a customized flavor profile.
• Traditional Southern Charm: Serve these beans with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken or smothered pork chops for a truly authentic Southern meal experience.
• Make-Ahead and Leftover Options: The broth can be used as a base for soup, and any leftovers can be enjoyed the next day, ensuring that no bit of flavor goes to waste.
• Compliment-Worthy Dish: Whether you’re hosting a potluck or a family dinner, these green beans are guaranteed to impress with their rich taste and comforting aroma, making them a standout addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Savory Southern Style Green Beans

• 2 lbs string beans, stemmed and halved crosswise
• 2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 lb small to medium red potatoes, quartered
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 8-10 cups water, or as needed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• Seasoning salt, to taste
• 6 meaty smoked turkey necks or smoked ham hocks

How to Make Savory Southern Style Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare the meat base

In a large stockpot over high heat, combine water and turkey necks. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.

Step 2: Add aromatics

After simmering for 2 hours, add additional water if necessary to cover the necks. Then mix in the onion, garlic, and bouillon powder. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding seasoning salt if required. The broth should have a delicious, mildly salty flavor.

Step 3: Cook vegetables

Add the potatoes and string beans, cover again, and simmer gently until the potatoes are tender and the beans are soft, approximately 45 minutes.

Step 4: Season

Stir in the pepper, adjust seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and cover.

Step 5: Prepare meat

Remove the turkey necks from the broth and set aside until cool. Pull the meat from the necks, discard skin and bones, and return meat to the broth. For ham hocks, break them up in the pot with a spoon or remove, pull meat, and add it back to the broth after discarding bones and skin.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the beans, potatoes, broth, and meat among serving bowls.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Southern green beans, if you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer the green beans along with the broth into an airtight container. You can store the green beans in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors in this dish tend to develop and meld together over time, making it even more delicious as leftovers.

To extend the shelf life of the Southern green beans, you can also freeze them. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some room for expansion if using containers. Properly stored, the green beans can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating frozen green beans, gently thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. The slow-cooking process of this dish ensures that it freezes well without compromising the flavors. So, whether you’re meal prepping or saving some for a later date, freezing is a great option for preserving this beloved Southern dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find smoked turkey necks or ham hocks, you can substitute with smoked turkey wings or even smoked turkey drumsticks to still achieve that rich, smoky flavor in the green beans. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you could use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness without meat products. Additionally, for a lighter version, you could use turkey bacon or smoked turkey sausage for a similar flavor profile with less fat.

To make this dish more personalized to your taste preferences, you can add different vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even okra to the pot along with the green beans for added flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to enhance the overall taste. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to achieve a slightly thicker consistency without altering the flavors too much.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate these Southern green beans, serve them in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation. Top each serving with a dollop of creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky flavors of the beans. Garnish with crispy fried shallots for a textural contrast that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

For a more elegant twist, consider layering the Southern green beans in a glass trifle dish, alternating with buttery cornbread crumbles and shredded smoked turkey meat. Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top for a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a touch of heat. This layered presentation will not only impress your guests visually but also create a harmonious blend of flavors in every spoonful.

FAQs for Savory Southern Style Green Beans

Question?

Can I substitute smoked ham hocks for the smoked turkey necks in this recipe?

Question?

How do I prevent the green beans from burning or running out of liquid during the long simmer?

Question?

Can I make these Southern green beans ahead of time and reheat them later?

Question?

How can I adjust the flavor of the green beans to suit different preferences, like reducing sodium or adding a spicy kick?

Conclusion

As you finish preparing your Southern Green Beans, take a moment to appreciate the love and tradition that goes into this dish. The slow simmering of the beans, the savory aroma filling your kitchen – these are the hallmarks of a recipe that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re serving these green beans as a comforting side dish or making them the star of your meal, their hearty flavors are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

So next time you’re looking for a dish that’s not just delicious but also steeped in history and family connection, remember these Southern Green Beans. Let them transport you to a simpler time, where the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones was all that mattered. Keep the tradition alive by passing this recipe down to the next generation, and watch as these humble green beans continue to bring smiles and satisfaction to all who gather around your table.

Savory Southern Style Green Beans

Slow-cooked Southern green beans with smoked turkey necks – a hearty, flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time165 Minutes

Total Time180 Minutes

CuisineSouthern

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs string beans, stemmed and halved crosswise
• 2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 lb small to medium red potatoes, quartered
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 8-10 cups water, or as needed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• Seasoning salt, to taste
• 6 meaty smoked turkey necks or smoked ham hocks

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat base: In a large stockpot over high heat, combine water and turkey necks. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
2. Add aromatics: After simmering for 2 hours, add additional water if necessary to cover the necks. Then mix in the onion, garlic, and bouillon powder. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding seasoning salt if required. The broth should have a delicious, mildly salty flavor.
3. Cook vegetables: Add the potatoes and string beans, cover again, and simmer gently until the potatoes are tender and the beans are soft, approximately 45 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in the pepper, adjust seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and cover.
5. Prepare meat: Remove the turkey necks from the broth and set aside until cool. Pull the meat from the necks, discard skin and bones, and return meat to the broth. For ham hocks, break them up in the pot with a spoon or remove, pull meat, and add it back to the broth after discarding bones and skin.
6. Serve: Divide the beans, potatoes, broth, and meat among serving bowls.