A tasty recipe for Southern-style green beans that are cooked in a flavorful broth with tender string beans and smoked turkey. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays and soul food dinners!.
When I think of soulful vegetables, I think of flavorful soul food collard greens and fried cabbage. Southern-style green beans are an alternative for you, even though I adore both! These delicate green beans aren’t your typical “boiled with a tad of butter” kind. These are Southern country-style green beans with smoked turkey.
These easy-to-make soul food green beans with smoked turkey are a great side dish for the holidays, a special occasion, or Sunday dinner. Let me show and tell y’all how I make my Southern-style green beans recipe.
Hey there, soul food lovers! Are you searching for a delectable side dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Instant Pot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey recipe. This dish is a true Southern classic, combining tender green beans, smoky turkey, and a symphony of aromatics that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re whipping up a Thanksgiving feast or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen green beans
- 1 pound smoked turkey leg or wing
- 6-8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 14-ounce can of stewed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups broth reserved from cooking the smoked turkey
Instructions:
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Cook the Smoked Turkey: Place the smoked turkey leg or wing into your Instant Pot and pour in enough water to cover the turkey (about 6-8 cups), Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing,” Cook on high pressure for 4 hours,
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Shred the Turkey: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the lid and transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Shred the turkey, discarding any bones.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same Instant Pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté on the “Sauté” setting for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add the Green Beans and Other Ingredients: Add the frozen green beans, stewed tomatoes, black pepper, and reserved turkey broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
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Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
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Serve and Enjoy: Stir in the shredded smoked turkey and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Green Beans: If you prefer fresh green beans, simply trim and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Use the same amount as the frozen green beans and follow the same cooking instructions.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as diced potatoes, carrots, or corn. Simply add them to the Instant Pot along with the green beans.
- Spices: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Smoked Ham or Bacon: If you don’t have smoked turkey, you can use smoked ham or bacon instead. Simply dice the ham or bacon and sauté it in the Instant Pot before adding the other ingredients.
- Slow Cooker Method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this dish in a slow cooker. Cook the smoked turkey on low for 4-6 hours, then shred it and add it to the slow cooker along with the green beans, other ingredients, and 2 cups of water. Cook on low for an additional 2-3 hours.
This Instant Pot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey recipe is a true culinary gem that will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the magic of this soul food classic.
Additional Resources:
- Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Recipe: https://iheartrecipes.com/southern-green-beans-with-smoked-turkey-soul-food/
- Instant Pot Green Beans with Smoked Turkey: https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-green-beans-smoked-turkey/
- Soul Food Recipes: https://www.southernliving.com/food/soul-food-recipes
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just trim and chop them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.
- What can I substitute for smoked turkey? You can use smoked ham, bacon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. Cook the smoked turkey on low for 4-6 hours, then shred it and add it to the slow cooker along with the green beans, other ingredients, and 2 cups of water. Cook on low for an additional 2-3 hours.
- What are some other soul food side dishes that I can serve with this? Some great options include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole.
How to Store Leftover Green Beans with Turkey
If you have leftovers, they’re super easy to store. The best part is that you can easily prepare a big batch and keep them on hand for easy meal prep or a flavorful and quick side dish.
- Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for three to five days in an airtight container.
- Turkey and green beans can be kept in the freezer for up to three months in freezer bags or other freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating Leftovers: You can warm the turkey and green beans on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or you can microwave them straight from the refrigerator. Reheat frozen food by placing it in a slow cooker without first thawing it, or by letting it thaw in the refrigerator before heating it on the stovetop.
Southern-Style Green Beans with Turkey 3-Minute Video Tutorial
You can make country green beans in a variety of ways, which makes them a tasty side dish for soul food. Let’s talk through some yummy variations.
- The green beans taste great with fresh garlic and onions, but if you want to intensify the flavor even more, mix in a teaspoon of each onion and garlic powder with the black pepper.
- Use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add some spiciness.
- Use another type of smoked meat, such as cubed ham or smoked ham hocks.
- If you’d rather not eat pork, feel free to use bacon ends, smoked bacon, or even turkey bacon.
- To make it a heartier side dish—or even a main course—add potatoes. Russet potatoes are used in a recipe I have, but Yukon golds or red potatoes would also work.