This cozy stew combines creamy speckled butter beans with tender okra in a rich, savory broth. It’s naturally hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
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Total: ~6–8 hours
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Servings: 6
🍳 Ingredients
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1 lb dried speckled butter beans (or 3 cans, drained)
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2 cups okra (fresh sliced or frozen)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp thyme
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt, to taste
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1 bay leaf
Optional Add-Ins
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Smoked turkey leg or ham hock
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Cajun seasoning
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Red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep Beans
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If using dried beans, soak overnight, drain, and rinse.
(Skip if using canned beans.)
2. Load Crockpot
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Add beans, okra, onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, broth, oil, spices, and bay leaf.
3. Cook
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Cover and cook:
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LOW: 6–8 hours
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HIGH: 3–4 hours
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Stir once halfway if possible.
4. Finish
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Remove bay leaf and any meat bones.
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Taste and adjust salt and seasoning.
🍽 Texture & Flavor
✔ Creamy butter beans
✔ Tender okra (not slimy!)
✔ Rich, savory broth
✔ Comfort-food classic
⭐ Tips & Variations
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No slime: Add okra during the last 2 hours
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Thicker stew: Mash some beans before serving
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Vegan: Use vegetable broth & olive oil
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Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce
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Serve with: Cornbread or rice
📊 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
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Calories: 240
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Protein: 10g
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Carbs: 34g
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Fat: 7g
