Step into the heart of the South with every bite of these Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey. Slow-cooked to perfection and infused with the rich, smoky flavor of smoked turkey, this dish is a true taste of Southern comfort. The tender green beans are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that bring out the natural sweetness, and the smoked turkey adds a depth of flavor that will thrill your taste buds.
Vegetables are usually the black sheep of a lot of meals because they can be pretty boring or bland if not prepared well. This recipe however is full of flavor! Pair this with yellow rice –Perfect Yellow Rice and any meat, and you have a delicious dinner! Because of the large serving, it also would be perfect for barbecues or family events that you may be hosting this summer. More of the dishes I think will go well with these Green Beans wit Smoked Turkey is this Weeknight Oven Jerk Chicken and Weeknight Balsamic Oven Leg Quarters
Canning green beans with smoked turkey is a delicious way to preserve a classic Southern side dish. This flavorful combination of tender green beans and smoky turkey can be made in bulk and enjoyed all year round when properly processed in mason jars. Here’s an overview of canning this Southern favorite, the benefits, tips for success, and how to use the canned green beans in comforting recipes
Canning allows you to safely preserve foods at home by processing them in sterilized jars and heating to kill bacteria and microorganisms. This makes the sealed jars shelf-stable for up to a year or longer. While people typically can fruits tomatoes jams, pickles etc., you can also can Southern-style green beans flavored with smoked turkey.
The ingredients are simple – fresh raw green beans, smoked turkey parts like wings, legs or necks, onion, garlic, seasonings, and water or turkey broth. The raw beans and turkey are layered into the jars with the aromatics and seasonings before going through the canning process
According to trusted sites like I Heart Recipes, key steps include:
- Blanching the green beans briefly to soften them
- Packing the blanched beans, smoked turkey, onions, garlic, and spices into the jars
- Pouring hot liquid over the contents to cover
- Processing the filled jars in a water bath canner for the recommended time based on your altitude
- Allowing the jars to seal and cool completely before storage
It’s important to follow proper canning instructions for safety. Reputed sources like the USDA provide guidelines on approved methods.
Why Should You Can Smoked Turkey Green Beans?
Canning green beans flavored with smoky turkey has many benefits:
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Long shelf life: The canned beans stay fresh for about 1 year if properly processed and stored. Once opened, store in the fridge and use within a week.
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Convenience: The beans are fully cooked and ready to eat. Just heat and serve straight from the jar!
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Saves space: Canned beans take up less storage room than frozen items.
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Enjoy year-round: Have delicious smoked turkey green beans anytime without waiting for holidays.
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Make ahead meals: Canned beans can quickly be turned into soups, casseroles etc.
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Flavor boost: Canning condenses flavors, so you get more intense smoky, seasoned taste.
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Cost savings: Buy smoked turkey and fresh beans in bulk when prices are lower.
Tips for Canning Smoked Turkey Green Beans Successfully
Follow these tips for best results when canning Southern-style green beans:
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Use an approved, tested canning recipe and follow all instructions precisely.
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Pack in raw green beans rather than cooked for better texture. Blanching before packing helps soften beans.
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Ensure smoked turkey and beans are completely covered in liquid to prevent spoilage.
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Leave proper headspace (usually 1-inch) in jars for expansion during heating.
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Release trapped air bubbles from filled jars by sliding a clean knife down the sides.
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Wipe jar rims thoroughly before sealing to prevent seal failures.
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Use new lids every time. Check jar seals are concave and don’t move when pressed post cooling.
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Label sealed jars with contents and date to track shelf life.
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Store canned beans in a cool, dark area for maximum shelf life.
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Refrigerate and use canned beans within a week after opening. Don’t re-can opened jars.
Delicious Ways to Use Canned Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
The versatile canned green beans can be used to make various comforting foods:
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Quick soul food sides – Heat the beans as-is or season with pepper sauce.
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Green bean casseroles – Mix with mushrooms, crispy fried onions and creamy sauce.
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Bean and turkey soups – Add to broth with veggies for an easy soup.
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Hearty bean salads – Toss cold beans with veggies, cheese, eggs or dressing.
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Turkey pot pies – Make a filling with beans, turkey, veggies and gravy topped with flaky crust.
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Green bean fritters – Make bean cakes with mashed beans, eggs, flour and spices then pan-fry.
With a stock of properly canned smoked turkey green beans, you’ll always have the classic Southern flavors ready to enjoy. Follow safe canning methods for delicious shelf-stable results all year long.
In Closing
Canning is a great way to preserve the timeless flavor combination of tender green beans and smoky turkey in one jar. When done properly, the canned Southern-style beans will stay fresh for about a year and provide quick access to comforting, down-home flavors. Follow tips on safe canning methods. Then use the ready-to-eat beans in all kinds of recipes from holiday sides to hearty casseroles. With some planning, you can enjoy scratch-made canned green beans flavored with turkey smoked right at home all year long.
What are southern green beans?
Southern-style green beans are a traditional side dish in Southern cuisine. They are typically made by slow-cooking fresh or canned green beans with bacon, onions, garlic, and various seasonings until they are tender and flavorful. The addition of bacon and other ingredients gives the green beans a rich, savory taste that is characteristic of Southern cooking.
In some variations of southern green beans, a tomato-based sauce or broth is added to the pot to provide additional flavor and moisture. Smoked turkey or ham hocks are also sometimes used to add depth and smoky flavor to the dish.
Southern green beans are often served as a side dish with meat-based main courses such as fried chicken, barbecue, or meatloaf. They are also sometimes served as a main dish in themselves, often with cornbread or rice.
Recipe variations and substitutes
Here are some variations and substitutes you can try in your Southern-style green beans with smoked turkey recipe:
Variations:
Spices: Try adding different spices and herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to vary the flavor of the dish.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the dish, such as sliced carrots, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions.
Meat: Substitute the smoked turkey with other types of meat, such as ham hocks, bacon, or sausage.
Broth: Use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even white wine instead of water for added flavor.
Substitutes:
Green beans: Try using other types of beans, such as wax beans, snap peas or haricots verts.
Smoked turkey: If you can’t find smoked turkey, use cooked, diced ham or bacon.
Onions: If you don’t have onions, use shallots or leeks.
Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
Remember that these variations and substitutes may change the flavor and texture of the dish, so feel free to experiment to find what you like best.