This hearty Southern-style dish — Beans with Smoked Turkey Necks and Potatoes — is the ultimate comfort food. Slow-simmered white beans soak up all the rich, smoky flavor from tender turkey necks, while the potatoes add creaminess and depth. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend meals.
Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked turkey necks
- 1 lb dry white beans (navy, great northern, or lima beans)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Ingredient Notes
- Smoked turkey necks: Provide a rich, smoky flavor — a healthier alternative to pork hocks or bacon.
- Beans: Use dry beans soaked overnight for best texture, or canned beans for a quicker version.
- Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape best during simmering.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth; water works if you season generously.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse and soak dry beans overnight in plenty of water.
- Drain and rinse before cooking. (Skip this if using canned beans.)
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Necks
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add smoked turkey necks and bay leaf, cooking for 5 minutes to release flavor.
Step 3: Add Beans and Broth
- Stir in beans, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Potatoes
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot.
- Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until both beans and potatoes are tender.
- Remove turkey necks; shred the meat from the bones and return it to the pot.
- Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
Tips
- For creamier beans, mash a few against the pot’s side before serving.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Variations
- Collard Greens Twist: Add chopped greens in the last 15 minutes for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Mix in Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage slices.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip turkey necks and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for flavor
