If you are craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that bursts with authentic Southern flavors, you just have to try the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe. This dish brings together tender green beans and flavorful smoked turkey wings, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth that’s spiced just right. It’s not only a comforting side but a bona fide mainstay on Southern tables, rich with tradition and that unmistakable smoky depth. The combination of fresh vegetables and smoky meat lets each bite tell a story of home cooking done right, making it a recipe you’ll want to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simple, honest ingredients that work beautifully together to create a depth of flavor and pleasing texture. Each element brings something special to the pot, from the smokiness of the turkey wings to the freshness of green beans and the subtle heat of the spices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A quality olive oil helps sear the turkey wings for a nice golden crust that locks in flavor.
- 2 lbs smoked turkey wings: The star protein, providing that rich and smoky backbone essential to the dish.
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth once sautéed.
- 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Garlic infuses the broth with its bold, fragrant personality.
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning: This spice mix gives the dish its characteristic Southern kick and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, these add a perfect gentle bite without overpowering.
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock, plus more as needed: The cooking liquid that melds all ingredients into a rich, savory stew.
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed & cut/snapped in half: Fresh green beans provide that signature bright green color and tender texture after cooking.
- 2–3 medium red potatoes, rinsed & cut into quarters: Potatoes add heartiness and a creamy texture that balances the smoky flavors.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the overall taste.
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional): A splash at the end can perk up the dish with extra tang and heat.
How to Make Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Smoked Turkey Wings
Begin by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven until shimmering. Add your smoked turkey wings and sear them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to get a beautiful golden brown all around. This step is crucial for building flavor right at the start, giving the dish that inviting smoky aroma and a caramelized edge that can’t be rushed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once your turkey wings have that lovely sear, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook until softened and translucent, which usually takes a few minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—this keeps the garlic bright and prevents it from becoming bitter. These aromatics will infuse your broth with a wonderful base note for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add Spices and Broth
Sprinkle in the Creole Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Give everything a good stir to coat the aromatics and turkey in these spices. Then pour in the chicken broth, making sure the turkey wings are nearly submerged. This broth will slowly extract all those smoky, spicy goodness from the meat during simmering.
Step 4: Simmer the Turkey
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the turkey wings simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the meat and blends the layers of flavor. Turn the wings occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor release back into the broth. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible by this point!
Step 5: Shred the Turkey
Carefully remove the turkey wings from the pot and allow them to cool just enough to handle. Then shred the meat with your fingers or forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot, letting it soak up even more of the delicious broth.
Step 6: Add Green Beans and Potatoes
Now it’s time to add the fresh green beans and quartered red potatoes. If the broth level looks low, add a bit more chicken broth so the veggies cook evenly and stay moist. Stir everything gently to combine these fresh elements with your smoky turkey and spices.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Cover and continue to simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for about 1 hour. This slow simmer ensures green beans and potatoes become tender but not mushy, absorbing the savory broth and melding perfectly with the shredded turkey.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serving
Uncover the pot and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This last step balances all the flavors and brings a brightness to the dish. Serve hot, with optional hot sauce on the side for those who want that extra kick. Now, dig in and savor every spoonful of this Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe!
How to Serve Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that complements the hearty, smoky greens beautifully. Crumbled crispy bacon or a few thin sliced green onions can also enhance both presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside classic Southern staples like buttery cornbread or fluffy white rice. A simple scoop of mashed potatoes can be a great companion too, soaking up all the rich broth and making for an indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic cast iron skillets or deep bowls to highlight its homestyle roots. For a fun twist, layer it over creamy grits or even baked sweet potatoes for a colorful and comforting plate that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can batch-cook and save some for later. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some headspace as the broth can expand when frozen.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and refresh those lovely flavors.
FAQs
Can I use smoked turkey drumsticks instead of wings?
Absolutely! Smoked turkey drumsticks will work just as well and provide the same smoky flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the meat is tender and easily shredded.
What if I don’t have Creole Cajun seasoning?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This combo replicates that signature Southern spice mix quite nicely.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the heart of this recipe is smoked turkey, you can create a vegetarian version using smoked paprika and vegetable broth to mimic the smoky flavor. Add hearty beans or mushrooms for protein and texture.
How do I know when the green beans are perfectly cooked?
They should be tender yet still hold some firmness, offering a slight bite without being mushy. Taste-testing near the end of simmering is the best way to achieve the ideal texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild by default with just a bit of warmth from the Creole seasoning. You can easily control the spice by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes and adding hot sauce at serving time if desired.
Final Thoughts
Making the Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe is like inviting a true taste of the South into your kitchen. With its perfect balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy flavors, it’s a dish that comforts the soul and feeds the heart. Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe deserves a spot in your repertoire. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it a cherished family favorite too.
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Real Deal Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and authentic Southern Green Beans recipe featuring smoky turkey wings simmered slowly with fresh green beans, red potatoes, and aromatic spices for a rich, hearty dish perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs smoked turkey wings
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2–3 medium red potatoes, rinsed & cut into quarters
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed & cut/snapped in half
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock, plus more as needed
Optional
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sear Smoked Turkey: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add smoked turkey wings and sear for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped white onion to the pot with the turkey. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in Creole Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes if using, mixing well to coat the ingredients.
- Add Broth and Simmer Turkey: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, ensuring the turkey wings are fully submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours, turning the meat occasionally to evenly cook and infuse flavor.
- Shred Turkey: Remove the turkey wings from the pot and let them cool enough to handle. Discard skin and bones, then shred the turkey meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return Meat to Pot: Return the shredded turkey meat back into the broth in the Dutch oven.
- Add Vegetables: Add the trimmed and halved green beans along with the quartered red potatoes to the pot. If needed, add additional chicken broth to just cover the vegetables.
- Simmer Vegetables: Cover the pot again and simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour, or until the green beans and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 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
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Using low sodium broth helps control the salt level; adjust seasoning at the end.
- Leftover green beans can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Substitute smoked turkey wings with smoked ham hocks for a similar flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
