Name: Smoky Turkey Neck & Great Northern Bean Stew with Hoecakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lbs turkey necks; 1 lb great northern beans, soaked overnight; 1 large onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup cornmeal; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 2 tbsp melted butter; Vegetable oil for frying

Description

A hearty Southern-style stew made with smoky turkey necks, creamy great northern beans, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a rich flavorful broth, served with crispy golden hoecakes.

Ingredients

2 lbs turkey necks
1 lb great northern beans, soaked overnight
1 large onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Soak the great northern beans overnight or use a quick-soak method.
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and brown the turkey necks on all sides.
Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and bay leaves.
Pour in chicken broth and water, then add the soaked beans.
Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 2 to 3 hours until the beans are creamy and the turkey necks are very tender.
Remove turkey necks, shred the meat from the bones, and return the meat to the pot.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For the hoecakes, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
Add buttermilk, egg, and melted butter, stirring until a thick batter forms.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat and fry spoonfuls of batter until golden brown on both sides.
Serve the stew hot with warm hoecakes on the side.

Notes

Add smoked sausage for extra smoky flavor.
Collard greens or kale make a great addition.
Navy beans or cannellini beans can replace great northern beans.
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or additional cayenne pepper.
The stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Mash some beans in the pot if you prefer a thicker stew.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl stew with 2 hoecakes
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 11g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 115mg