Description
Warm and comforting, this Southern Pinto Beans recipe combines creamy beans with savory smoked turkey for a delightful dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 2–3 smoked turkey legs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- 1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the pinto beans and soak them overnight in plenty of water.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until golden brown, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add Smoked Turkey: Stir in the smoked turkey legs, allowing them to release their rich flavor into the pot.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked pinto beans and pour in the chicken broth along with bay leaves and cayenne pepper. Bring to a rolling boil before reducing heat to low.
- 5. Simmer Away: Cover and let simmer gently for about two hours or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 6. Serve It Up: Remove the turkey legs (and bay leaves), shred any meat off the bone, and mix back into your beans. Serve hot, ideally with cornbread or over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, you can include bell peppers or jalapeños. - If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute smoked turkey with liquid smoke and use vegetable broth. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.