HHeritage Kitchen

Side Dishes

Southern Butter Beans

A pot of slow-simmered butter beans is a familiar sight in many Southern kitchens. Tender beans, flavorful broth, and smoked meat make this humble dish satisfying enough to serve as a meal with cornbread. Some families prefer large, creamy lima beans, while others use smaller green butter beans.

Jump to Recipe
Bowl of Southern butter beans simmered with smoked meat in a savory broth

Prep time

15 min

Cook time

3 hr

Total time

3 hr 15 min plus overnight soaking; cooking takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on the beans

Servings

6 · 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried large lima beans, also called butter beans
  • 1 smoked turkey wing or leg
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water, plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Sort through the dried beans to remove debris. Rinse well.

  2. 2

    Cover beans with several inches of water and soak overnight. Drain before cooking.

  3. 3

    Place drained beans in a large heavy-bottomed pot.

  4. 4

    Add smoked turkey, onion, garlic, broth, black pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.

  5. 5

    Bring to a full boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Partially cover and cook for approximately 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add additional hot water or broth if necessary to keep beans covered.

  7. 7

    Check beans periodically for tenderness. Cooking time varies according to bean size and age. Continue cooking until completely tender.

  8. 8

    Remove smoked turkey and bay leaf. Discard bones and skin, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.

  9. 9

    Stir in butter. For a thicker, creamier broth, mash a few beans against the side of the pot.

  10. 10

    Taste and add salt only as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Suggested pairings: Hot Water Cornbread, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey or Southern Fried Catfish.

Heritage Kitchen Tips

  • Texture: butter beans should be tender and creamy, never firm or undercooked.
  • Fresh or frozen beans require different cooking times. Do not apply dried-bean soaking instructions to them.

Ingredient substitutions

A smoked ham hock
the smoked turkey
Vegetable broth with no turkey, plus extra aromatics and smoked paprika to taste
the smoked turkey and chicken broth, for a meatless pot

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers promptly for up to 3–4 days.

Round out the meal

Complete the meal

Helpful kitchen tool

Soul Food Serving Calculator

Know exactly how much fried chicken, greens, and mac to make — no guessing, no leftovers gone to waste.

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