here’s a hearty, flavorful, and comforting recipe for Great Northern Beans with Smoked Turkey & Neckbones. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal and gets even better the next day.

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🍲 Great Northern Beans with Smoked Turkey & Neckbones

Ingredients

• 1 lb Great Northern beans, rinsed and sorted

• 1–2 smoked turkey legs (or a smoked turkey wing)

• 2–3 smoked turkey neckbones

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2–3 celery stalks, chopped

• 1–2 carrots, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 6–8 cups chicken broth (or water)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, to taste (add near end)

• Optional: 1 can diced tomatoes or 1 tbsp tomato paste

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Instructions

1. Soak the Beans (Optional but recommended)

• Overnight soak: cover beans with water by 2 inches and soak 8–12 hours.

• Quick soak: boil beans for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and soak for 1 hour.

• Drain and rinse before cooking.

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2. Brown the Veggies

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add onion, celery, and carrots.

3. Sauté until softened (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

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3. Add Beans & Meat

1. Add soaked beans to the pot.

2. Nestle smoked turkey legs and neckbones in the pot.

3. Pour in chicken broth (enough to cover by 2 inches).

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4. Season

• Add bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

• Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste if desired.

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5. Simmer

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

2. Cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Cook until beans are tender and meat is falling off the bone.

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6. Finish

1. Remove turkey and neckbones.

2. Shred meat and return to pot.

3. If you want a thicker stew, mash some beans against the side of the pot.

4. Taste and adjust salt (add at the end to prevent tough beans).

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✅ Serving Suggestions

• Over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread

• With hot sauce or pepper vinegar

• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions

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💡 Tips for Best Flavor

• Cook low and slow for tender beans and rich broth.

• Let it rest overnight—flavors deepen and it thickens.

• If broth is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.