If you’ve ever craved authentic Southern comfort food, then the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe is exactly what you need to bring that soulful, smoky, and perfectly seasoned dish right to your table. This recipe captures the essence of down-home cooking, marrying tender green beans and hearty potatoes with rich, smoky turkey wings simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms your kitchen and your heart, delivering layers of flavor with every bite. Trust me, once you try this Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe, it’s going to become an instant favorite for family dinners and gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this classic Southern dish is easier than you think because the ingredients are simple but absolutely essential. Each item plays a crucial role, ensuring the dish has the ideal balance of smoky flavor, tender texture, and vibrant color that makes it so memorable.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the smoked turkey wings for a beautiful caramelized base.
- 2 lbs smoked turkey wings: The star of the dish that infuses it with deep, smoky aroma and rich taste.
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and builds a flavorful foundation.
- 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Gives a fragrant punch that complements the smokiness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning: Brings that classic kick with herbs and spices native to Southern cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little heat if you like your greens with a spicy touch.
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock: Keeps the greens juicy and tender while soaking in all those amazing flavors.
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut/snapped in half: The star vegetable, fresh and crisp before cooking down tender.
- 2–3 medium red potatoes, rinsed and quartered: Adds heartiness and soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Hot sauce (optional): Perfect for those who love to add a little zing right before serving.
How to Make Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Smoked Turkey Wings
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently sear the smoked turkey wings for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is crucial because it locks in the smoky flavor and builds a rich base for the broth.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the turkey wings have a nice sear, add the finely chopped white onion into the pot. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. This mixture forms the heart of the dish’s savory depth.
Step 3: Season and Add Broth
Next, sprinkle in the Creole Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together for about a minute to toast the spices and amplify their flavors. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the smoked turkey wings are completely submerged. This rich broth will carry all those wonderful flavors throughout the dish.
Step 4: Simmer the Turkey
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot to let it simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. During this time, turn the turkey wings occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and release their smoky goodness into the broth.
Step 5: Shred the Turkey
Carefully remove the turkey wings from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, shred off the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded meat back into the pot, infusing the broth with extra heartiness and flavor.
Step 6: Add Green Beans and Potatoes
Now it’s time to add the fresh green beans and quartered red potatoes directly into the simmering broth. If the liquid level seems low, feel free to add a little more chicken broth to keep everything nicely covered. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Simmer Vegetables Until Tender
Cover the pot once more and let everything simmer on medium-low for about 1 hour, or until the green beans and potatoes reach perfect tenderness. This slow, loving cooking process melds the smoky meat with the vegetables, creating that unforgettable Southern soul food flavor.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Uncover the pot, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, serve it alongside your favorite hot sauce. Get ready for some seriously delicious Southern comfort food that’s bursting with tradition and warmth.
How to Serve Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
The Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe shines on its own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of extra Creole seasoning on top can elevate it visually and add a fresh burst of flavor. Some folks love a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for that punchy finish that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair this smoky green beans dish with classic Southern staples like fluffy cornbread, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some fried okra for texture contrast. It’s also fantastic alongside slow-cooked barbecue or crispy fried chicken for a full-on soulful Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Serve the green beans and shredded turkey over a bed of buttery grits or creamy polenta for a rich, indulgent twist. Or stack it thick on toasted bread to create a Southern-inspired open-face sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Cool the dish completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This will revive the smoky richness and tender veggies perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of smoked turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Smoked turkey legs or thighs work just as well. The key is to use a cut with plenty of smoky flavor and some meat that will shred nicely into the dish.
Do I have to use red potatoes, or can I substitute?
You can substitute with Yukon gold or baby potatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if your potatoes are smaller or larger to keep them tender but not mushy.
Is this dish spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe has a mild kick from the Creole Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes or serving with spicy hot sauce on the side.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While the smoky turkey is central to this recipe, you could experiment with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and vegetable broth for a plant-based take, but it will naturally lose some of the classic Southern depth and richness.
What’s the secret to getting the green beans tender but not mushy?
Low and slow simmering is key. Cooking the beans and potatoes gently over medium-low heat for about an hour allows them to become tender and soak up the smoky broth without turning overly soft.
Final Thoughts
Making the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe is a true joy because it’s like inviting a warm Southern hug into your kitchen. With smoky goodness, tender veggies, and simple ingredients, it’s comfort food at its finest. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together and makes memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Print
Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe features smoky turkey wings simmered slowly with fresh green beans, red potatoes, and aromatic spices, resulting in a hearty and flavorful Southern-style side dish perfect for gatherings or comforting meals.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs smoked turkey wings
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed & cut/snapped in half
- 2–3 medium red potatoes, rinsed & cut into quarters
Seasonings and Liquid
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock, plus more as needed
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sear Smoked Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey wings and sear them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly, which helps develop a deep smoky flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped white onion to the pot with the turkey and cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then sprinkle in the Creole Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), mixing well to coat the aromatics and turkey.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, making sure the smoked turkey wings are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Slow Simmer Turkey: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the turkey simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours, turning the meat occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Shred Turkey Meat: Remove the turkey wings from the pot carefully and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat off the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded turkey back to the pot.
- Add Vegetables: Add the trimmed and halved green beans and quartered red potatoes into the pot. If needed, add more chicken broth to just cover the vegetables.
- Simmer Vegetables: Cover the pot again and simmer over medium-low heat for 1 hour, or until the green beans and potatoes are tender and infused with the smoky flavors.
- Season and Serve: Uncover the pot, season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional hot sauce on the side for added heat.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add more or less based on preferred spice level.
- If smoked turkey wings are unavailable, smoked ham hocks can be a good substitute.
- Simmering low and slow is key to developing deep flavors and tender vegetables.
- This dish pairs well with rice or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
