Southern Comfort: Green Beans with a Twist

When it comes to making these Southern Comfort Green Beans, We’re talking Southern comfort with a twist. It’s a must-have vegetable to have on your dinner table. Flavored with spices and packed with protein.

So what makes this recipe so special?

Well, I’m glad you ask. I would say that it is a unique blend of spices and seasonings. But then again we can’t forget the added protein such as the smoked Turkey Neck and Smoked Sausages. These green beans have been slow-cooked until nice and tender. But what really makes this recipe so special is that you can enjoy this as a side dish or as your main dish! I’ll let you decide.

Let’s take a look at the flavoring factors that play a large role in turning ordinary green beans into this delicious Southern-style cuisine.

The Ingredients

• Smoked Turkey Neck & Smoked Turkey Sausages – The amount of flavors that the smoked turkey neck adds really brings this side dish up a notch.
• Vegetable Base seasoning – I used Better than Bouillon
• Smoked Paprika
• Salt & Pepper
• Sugar
• Onions, Garlic
• Red Potatoes
• Chicken Broth
• Green Beans – Fresh or Frozen
• Olive Oil
• Turkey Gravy Mix

Preparing the Green Beans

• For Fresh Green Beans start by cleaning the green beans then drying off any excess water. Cut both ends of each green bean and discard the ends. If you desire bite size pieces, then cut the in half and place cut green beans in a mid size to large bowl.
• Frozen Green Beans all you have to do is take them out of the freezer. Remove the green beans from bag and place the green beans into a mid size to large bowl. Allow to sit out on the counter until defrosted.

Prepping Other Ingredients

• Onion – Peel and dice the onions
• Garlic – Feel free to use minced or fresh garlic
• Red Potatoes – Start by washing the potatoes. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel the potatoes either way the potatoes will be so delicious. Cut the potatoes equally into midsize cubes and set aside.
• Turkey Necks- rinse the turkey necks and remove the castings.
• Smoked Sausages- Rinse and cut into small bite size and set aside.

How to make

1. In a Pot add the Chicken Broth, 1 cup of water, better than Bouillon seasoning, and Turkey Neck. Bring to a rolling boil for 20 minutes. (Note: you will notice the liquid will cook down).
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes or until the turkey neck is tender.
3. Transfer the turkey neck and its liquid into a bowl or container. Set aside to allow to cool. Once the turkey neck cools down. shred with a fork removing all meat from the bone. Discarding the bone.
4. Heat extra virgin olive oil in the same pot on medium heat and add the diced onions. Sautee them for 2- 3 minutes then add the smoked sausages. Stir together the onions and sausages to keep them from burning.
5. Add in 1 Turkey Gravy Mix packet and add 1 cup of water. Stirring until there are no lumps from the gravy.
6. Add in the Green Beans, Garlic, Seasoning, Sugar and add back in the shredded Turkey Neck Meat with it liquid. Cover and bring to a light boil for 15 minutes.
7. Then add in the already cut potatoes. Cover and cook until the Potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from Heat and Enjoy!

Recipe Ingredient Swap

• Onions & Garlic can be substituted for onion and garlic powder instead.
• The turkey neck and Smoked turkey sausages can also be swapped out for pork or beef. It’s what you prefer to have and it all taste oh so delicious.
• When it comes to the Green Beans you can use Fresh, Frozen, or Can Green Beans but (note that if you are using Can green beans please drain the can of its liquids and follow the recipe).

How to Store Leftovers Green Beans

We love being able to go back to some good leftovers especially when all you have to do is re-heat. It’s saves us time and we love that. However, storing your leftover green beans properly is important for food safety purposes.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Cool Down – Make sure that your green beans has cooled down to room temperature after cooking.
• Refrigerate – When storing, use a air tight container and store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer – If you are planning on storing for longer time. Place the green beans into a freezer bag, making sure that the freezer bag is air free by removing any excess air that has collected in the bag. Then making sure to seal the freezer bag.
• Label – The biggest help would be to label your leftovers by putting a date of when the green beans are stored, this will take that annoying guess work out.