Can You Can Green Beans with Smoked Turkey? A Delicious Way to Preserve The Classic Southern Side

Southern folks know that Southern Green Beans are the real MVP of the veggie game. When you slow cook some string beans with potatoes and super flavorful smoked turkey necks, you get legit comfort food. It ain’t hard to make y’all, and it’s mandatory at the holiday or Sunday supper dinner table. Other folks may try to share a green bean recipe with ya, but it ain’t even in the same league as this one.

“These green beans are so delicious! I love the added flavor from the smoked turkey. Definitely making these again!”

If there was one vegetable I loved more than anything else growing up, it was my mama’s green beans with potatoes and smoked turkey. Nothing else compared. She will tell you herself that I demanded this be on the table before any other side dish. No veggie comforts me more. The aroma alone should be bottled up and sold. Made of homemade smoked turkey stock, fresh string beans, aromatic onion and garlic, and lots of bomb seasoning, these slow-cooked Southern green beans are comfort food at its finest!

Canning is a time-tested method for preserving fruits, vegetables, and other foods by processing them in jars and heating to a bacteria-killing temperature. This allows the jars to be shelf-stable for up to a year or more While most people think of canning things like jams, applesauce, pickles, and tomato sauce, did you know that you can also can green beans with smoked turkey? It may sound unusual, but it’s a delicious way to preserve this classic Southern flavor combination.

An Overview of Canning Green Beans with Smoked Turkey

Canning green beans with smoked turkey allows you to make a batch of this Southern favorite and enjoy it all year round. When processed and sealed properly, the canned beans will have a shelf life of about 12 months. The smoking process helps preserve the turkey, while the canning process preserves the green beans and locks in the smoky flavors. This means you can skip thawing and only need to quickly heat and serve these beans straight from the jar once opened.

The ingredients for canning smoked turkey green beans are simple – fresh green beans, smoked turkey (wing, leg, or neck), onion, garlic, salt, and water. The beans are packed raw into the jars along with the turkey, onion, garlic, and seasonings before going through the canning process

According to I Heart Recipes, key steps include:

Blanching the green beans to partially cook them
Layering the beans, smoked turkey, aromatics, and seasonings into the canning jars
Pouring hot water or turkey broth over the contents to cover
Processing the filled jars in a water bath canner for the appropriate time based on your altitude
Allowing jars to fully cool and seal before storing

Follow proper canning methods as outlined by the USDA or Ball Canning guides to ensure safety.

Benefits of Canning Smoked Turkey Green Beans

There are several advantages to canning green beans with smoked turkey

Long shelf life: Canned properly, the beans keep for about 1 year sealed. Once open, store in the fridge and use within a week.
Convenient: The beans are fully cooked and ready to eat after heating. No long prep or simmering required.
Space saving: Canned beans take up less storage space compared to freezing.
Year-round enjoyment: Have delicious smoked turkey green beans anytime, without waiting for the holidays.
Make ahead meals: Canned beans can be quickly turned into soups, casseroles, and other dishes.
Natural flavor boost: The canning process concentrates flavors, for more intense smoky and seasoned green bean taste.
Cost savings: Buy smoked turkey and fresh green beans in bulk when prices are low.

Tips for Successful Canning of Smoked Turkey Green Beans

Follow these tips for best results when canning your Southern-style green beans:

Use an approved canning recipe and follow instructions precisely.
Use raw packed green beans rather than cooked for better texture. Blanching beans before packing helps soften them.
Make sure smoked turkey and all ingredients are fully submerged in liquid to prevent spoilage.
Leave proper headspace in jars (usually 1 inch). This allows room for food to expand during heating.
Release trapped air bubbles before putting on lids by sliding a clean knife down the sides of filled jars.
Wipe jar rims clean before sealing to prevent seal failures.
Use new lids each time. Check that jar seals are concave and don’t move when pressed after cooling.
Label jars with contents and date before storing to track shelf life.
Store canned beans in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life.
Refrigerate and consume within a week after opening. Don’t re-can opened jars.

Delicious Uses for Canned Smoked Turkey Green Beans

The flavorful canned green beans with turkey can be used in many comforting recipes:

Quick soul food side dishes – Heat and serve the beans as-is or add seasoning like pepper sauce.
Green bean casseroles – Mix beans with mushrooms, fried onions, and creamy sauce.
Turkey & bean soups – Add cans of beans and broth for an easy weekday soup.
Bean salads – Toss cold beans with veggies, cheese, and dressing for a hearty salad.
Turkey pot pies – Layer beans, turkey, veggies, and gravy topped with flaky crust.
Green bean fritters – Make bean cakes with mashed beans, eggs, flour, and spices, then pan fry.

With properly canned green beans with smoked turkey on hand, you’ll always be ready to enjoy the classic Southern flavors. Follow safe canning methods for delicious results you can rely on all year.

can green beans with smoked turkey

The Lowdown on the Best Southern Green Beans Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort y’allPrimary Cooking Method: SimmeringDietary Info: Gluten-FreeKey Flavor: Savory, Smoky, Down-Home VibesSkill Level: Beginner-Medium

Authentic Southern Flavor: We ain’t messing with tradition. This recipe stays true to its roots, giving the type of traditional vibes grandmas around the South perfected.
Nutrient-Rich: Green beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish not only delish but also healthy ya dig?
Straightforward: Despite the fact that we are building complex flavors, the ingredients are pretty easy to come by. And the recipe ain’t difficult to follow either.
Comfort Food: There’s a hearty dose of comfort in each serving, making it a recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion calling for a warm, comforting side.
Leftovers: I know it’s hard to believe but this Southern green beans recipe tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and eat on all week long.

How to Make Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey

PRO TIP: Be very careful when pulling the meat apart! You’ll probably want to let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t get burned.

Southern Style Green Beans with Smoked Turkey

FAQ

Is cooking with smoked turkey healthy?

Though smoked chicken and turkey can still create HCAs and PAHs, they are, overall, heathier choices than red meat. Go lean. Next in line after poultry are lean cuts of pork (like pork loin, tenderloin and center cut chops).

Can you smoke an already smoked turkey?

Our turkey breast was already pre-cooked/smoked. First, we want to rub the bird down with some vegetable oil and our All Purpose BBQ Rub. Heat the smoker to 250 degrees and throw it on indirect heat with some mesquite wood chips. You must remember the number one complaint about turkey is that it is DRY.

What to pair green beans with?

Capsicum, carrot, celery, fava beans, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemon, lentil, mushroom, onion, potato, pumpkin, radish, shallot, tomato. Almond, basil, dill, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, pecan, tarragon.

How to cook green beans with smoked turkey meat?

Add your chopped potatoes, onions, green beans, minced garlic, smoked Turkey legs, chicken broth, and seasonings to the same pot, then stir well. Place a lid over the pot, turn the stove to medium-low, and allow to simmer for 1 hour. Here is the thing that I love about these green beans with smoked Turkey meat.

What is southern green beans with smoked turkey?

Sharing is caring! Step into the heart of the South with every bite of these Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey. Slow-cooked to perfection and infused with the rich, smoky flavor of smoked turkey, this dish is a true taste of Southern comfort.

Are smoked turkey necks good for green beans?

Slow simmered green beans and potatoes are made that much more flavorful using smoked turkey necks in this classic southern green beans recipe! Southern Style Green Beans are a simple side dish that can be served at any holiday table or weeknight dinner! It’s worth making a big pot of simmered string beans just for the aroma alone.

Are these tender green beans with smoked turkey a good side dish?

These tender green beans aren’t your average “boiled with a tad of butter” green beans. These are Southern country-style green beans with smoked turkey. Soul food green beans with smoked turkey make a perfect side dish for the holidays, a special occasion, and Sunday dinner, and they’re quite easy to make.