Few dishes embody the heart and soul of Southern cooking quite like a pot of slow-simmered Country Green Beans. This recipe transforms simple green beans into a deeply flavorful, tender, and incredibly comforting side dish, rich with the savory essence of smoked turkey and aromatic vegetables. It’s a taste of tradition, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you crave that authentic, slow-cooked goodness.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s a reason why Country Green Beans are a beloved staple, and this recipe truly brings out the best in them. What I love most is the way the long, slow simmer utterly transforms the beans, making them incredibly tender while allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors from the smoked turkey (or seasoning meat), onions, and garlic. The addition of a splash of vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes provides that classic Southern balance of tang and subtle heat, cutting through the richness. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting experience that reminds me of Sunday dinners and brings a soulful warmth to any meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these tender Country Green Beans:
- Fresh Green beans – about 2 lbs (look for bright green, firm beans)
- 1 lb Smoked turkey (such as smoked turkey necks, wings, or a smoked ham hock), or your favorite seasoning meat
- Enough Chicken broth to cover the meat and then the beans (start with 4-6 cups)
- 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Vinegar (white or apple cider), a splash or two to taste
- 2 tablespoons Lard or cooking oil
Swaps and Notes
- Green Beans: Fresh snap beans are ideal. You can use frozen cut green beans in a pinch, but they will require less cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Avoid canned green beans for this recipe as they are already too soft.
- Seasoning Meat: Smoked turkey necks, wings, or a smoked ham hock are traditional and provide incredible depth. If you can’t find smoked turkey, a salted pork product like bacon (crisped and crumbled, with a few slices cooked in the pot) or fatback can be used. Ensure it’s a meaty cut for flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth, as the seasoning meat and added salt will contribute flavor. You can also use vegetable broth.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the base of flavor. Adjust amounts to your preference.
- Seasonings: “To taste” is key for Southern cooking! Start with a moderate amount of seasoned salt and black pepper, and adjust at the end. Red pepper flakes add a pleasant warmth; omit for no heat.
- Vinegar: The splash of vinegar is traditional and brightens the overall flavor, cutting through the richness of the meat. Don’t skip it!
- Lard or Oil: Lard provides authentic richness and flavor. Vegetable oil is a suitable substitute if you prefer.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Country Green Beans simmering!
- Prepare Green Beans: Snap the ends off your fresh green beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- Heat Fat & Brown Meat/Aromatics: Add 2 tablespoons of lard or cooking oil to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the smoked turkey (or seasoning meat) to the pot. Cook for a few minutes to get some color on the meat. Then, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Broth & Simmer Meat: Pour enough chicken broth into the pot to fully cover the seasoning meat. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour. This allows the meat to tenderize and release its flavor into the broth.
- Add Green Beans & Remaining Ingredients: After 1 hour, add the prepared green beans to the pot. Stir in desired amounts of seasoning salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a splash or two of vinegar. Add more chicken broth if needed to ensure the green beans are mostly submerged. Stir everything well to combine.
- Second Simmer: Bring the pot back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for an additional 1 1/2 hours, or until the green beans are very tender. Periodically check the liquid level and add more broth if necessary to keep the beans simmering.
- Remove & Debone Meat: Carefully remove the cooked seasoning meat from the pot to a separate dish. Allow the meat to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the bones and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat back to the pot with the green beans.
- Final Seasoning & Serve: Stir the meat back into the green beans. Taste the green beans and adjust seasoning (add more seasoning salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or vinegar) as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Fresh Beans are Best: While frozen can work, fresh green beans hold up better to the long cooking time and offer superior flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The long, slow cooking process is vital for tender green beans and for extracting maximum flavor from the seasoning meat.
- Keep Submerged: Ensure the green beans (and meat) stay mostly submerged in broth. This is how they become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Balance Flavors: The vinegar and red pepper flakes are crucial for balancing the richness. Adjust them to your preference.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the beans at the end of cooking and adjust the seasonings. Different broths and seasoning meats will vary in their saltiness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Country Green Beans are a classic side dish for almost any Southern-inspired meal, pairing beautifully with:
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is the quintessential pairing, perfect for soaking up the savory potlikker.
- Fried Chicken or Pork Chops: A classic main course for this side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Another comforting starch that complements the beans.
- Rice: For soaking up the flavorful liquid.
- Other Southern Comforts: They are a perfect accompaniment to dishes like our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort or These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
- They’d also be a fantastic side for a hearty casserole like This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Country Green Beans are one of those dishes that taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The liquid will likely gel when cold, which is normal.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: These green beans freeze very well! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of these Country Green Beans, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another fantastic full-meal comfort dish, try our This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of rich, comforting stews, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a classic Southern dessert that feeds a crowd, don’t miss This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd.
Final Thoughts
These Country Green Beans are more than just a side dish; they’re a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something profoundly delicious and comforting through the magic of slow cooking. This recipe provides that authentic, soulful flavor that makes it a perennial favorite.
Give this recipe a try and fill your home with the delicious aroma of true Southern comfort! What are your favorite slow-simmered vegetable dishes? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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