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Soulful Lima Beans with Smoked Turkey Flavor

The Secret to Soulful Lima Beans with Smoked Turkey Flavor

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Slow-simmered lima beans (aka butter beans) get a deep, smoky flavor boost from a single turkey leg and a splash of chicken stock. This Southern-inspired comfort dish is cozy, hearty, and unbelievably easy—with just a few pantry staples and a whole lot of flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 smoked turkey leg
8–9 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 cans lima beans, drained and rinsed
2–3 pinches black pepper
Optional: sautéed onions or garlic for extra depth

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, add smoked turkey leg and 4 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
Step 3: Rinse and drain the lima beans. Add them to the pot.
Step 4: Pour in remaining chicken stock (as needed to cover beans). Sprinkle in black pepper.
Step 5: Bring back to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 60–90 minutes.
Step 6: Stir gently every 25–30 minutes to prevent sticking and help thicken the broth.
Step 7: Once the beans are creamy and the turkey is fall-off-the-bone tender, remove skin and shred meat into the pot.
Step 8: Let simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the liquid thickens to your liking. Serve hot.

Notes

Want to level it up? Add a chopped onion or a splash of vinegar near the end
This dish tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers
For a vegetarian version, use veggie stock, smoked paprika, and mushrooms instead of turkey

  • Author: Emilie Faivre
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern American
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