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!
Green beans are a classic Southern side dish that can be found on dinner tables across the American South. While simple green beans cooked with some salt, pepper, and butter are always tasty, there are ways to add even more flavor to this humble veggie. One of the best methods is cooking the green beans with smoked turkey tails.
The smoky, seasoned flavor of the turkey tails permeates the beans, taking them to new heights of down-home flavor. The tender beans and meaty turkey tails together make a hearty, soul-satisfying side for any Southern meal. This method of cooking green beans isn’t difficult at all, but it does require some time for the best flavor. If you’ve got 20-30 minutes of active cooking time, you can make these sensational Southern-style smoked turkey tail green beans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and ends removed
- 2 smoked turkey tails
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small new potatoes, halved (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for out-of-this-world smoked turkey tail green beans:
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Prepare the green beans by washing them thoroughly under running water Snap or cut off the stem ends, Leave whole or cut into 1-2 inch pieces, Set prepared beans aside,
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Place the turkey tails and onion halves into a 4-quart Dutch oven. Pour in 4 cups of water, just enough to cover the turkey tails.
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Season the water with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder Stir to combine
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Bring the turkey tail broth to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, add the green beans to the Dutch oven. Stir to submerge them in the broth.
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Allow beans to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired tenderness.
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(Optional) Add the halved new potatoes to the pot. Let simmer 10-15 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
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Once green beans and potatoes are done, taste the broth for seasoning and adjust if needed.
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans, potatoes, and turkey tails to a serving platter. Discard onion halves.
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Pour a few spoonfuls of the smoky seasoned broth over the veggies before serving.
And that’s it! In just about 30 minutes you can have the most flavorful, Southern-style green beans ever. The secret is letting the beans simmer in that smoky, seasoned turkey tail broth until they soak up all that hearty flavor.
Tips for the Best Smoked Turkey Tail Green Beans
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Use fresh green beans for the ideal texture – avoid canned. Frozen works in a pinch!
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Turkey tails can be found pre-smoked at many grocery stores or butcher shops. You can also smoke them yourself beforehand.
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Let the broth simmer on its own for 10-15 minutes before adding green beans. This helps draw out flavor.
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Add halved fingerling or new potatoes during last 10-15 minutes for extra heartiness.
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For more flavor, sprinkle in a dash of vinegar or lemon juice right before serving.
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These green beans store well for 4-5 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving.
With just a few inexpensive ingredients and a short time commitment, you can make these exceptional Southern-style smoked turkey tail green beans. One bite will transport you straight to the deep South! This method works for other veggies too like okra or butter beans. Now go get cooking, y’all!
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Vegan Vibes: Bounce the meat all together, use a vegetarian bouillon cube and get the flavor poppin plant-based style.
- Get Herby: Adding some rosemary, oregano or parsley will give a touch of earthy freshness.
- Brighten The Flavors: Just a touch of citrus like lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can add some tangy essence.
- Spice it Up: Adding a little hot sauce or a bit of cayenne can really make those flavors pop y’all.
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.
Easy Southern Style Green Beans With Potatoes and Smoked Turkey Tails
FAQ
Are smoked turkey tails good to eat?
How to cook smoked turkey fully cooked?
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.
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.
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.
How do you make southern green beans Smoky?
In some variations of southern green beans, a tomato-based sauce or broth is added to the pot to provide additional flavor and moisture. Smoked turkey or ham hocks are also sometimes used to add depth and smoky flavor to the dish.