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Cozy Southern Pinto Beans Slow-Cooked with Smoked Turkey Neck

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A no-fuss, heartwarming southern comfort dish featuring slow-cooked pinto beans infused with smoky turkey neck flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 large smoked turkey neck (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (added near the end)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and sort the beans under cold water, removing any debris (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. Transfer rinsed beans and sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the smoked turkey neck.
  4. Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaves, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until beans are tender and turkey neck meat is falling off the bone.
  6. About halfway through cooking, stir beans gently and check liquid levels. Add more broth or water if needed.
  7. Remove the turkey neck, let cool slightly, shred the meat off the bone, and return the meat to the beans. Discard bones and skin.
  8. Add salt gradually, starting with 1 teaspoon, stirring and adjusting to taste.
  9. Simmer uncovered on low for another 15-20 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. Optional: Mash a few beans against the side of the slow cooker before the final simmer for a creamier texture.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight can reduce cooking time by 2-3 hours and improve digestibility. Add salt only near the end to avoid toughening beans. If beans are too watery, mash some and simmer uncovered to thicken. If no slow cooker, simmer on stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pinto beans, slow cooker, smoked turkey neck, southern comfort food, easy dinner, slow-cooked beans, smoky beans, comfort food

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cozy-southern-pinto-beans-slow-cooked-with-smoked-turkey-neck-recipe-for-easy-homemade-comfort/