20 Southern Butterbean Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Southern butterbeans are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These creamy and flavorful legumes have been a beloved part of Southern cooking for generations. Whether served as a side or as the star of a dish, butterbeans add a delicious and hearty touch to any meal. In this article, we'll explore the history of this classic Southern ingredient and share a mouthwatering butterbean recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Butter beans are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. They are creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor. When paired with chicken cooked in a beer can, the result is a mouthwatering dish that will impress any dinner guest. Here are 20 different ways to make this classic Southern dish even more delicious.
This classic recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy butter beans. Cooked with onions, garlic, and bacon, these beans are packed with flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a truly Southern feast.
3of 20
Southern Butter Beans with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Small Onion, Butter Beans, College Inn Chicken
For an extra punch of smoky flavor, try cooking your butter beans with bacon. The salty, savory bacon complements the creamy beans perfectly and adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
4of 20
Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
If you can't decide between baked beans and butter beans, why not have both? This recipe combines five different types of beans, including butter beans, for a hearty and flavorful side dish. The addition of molasses gives these beans a rich and slightly sweet flavor.
5of 20
Southern Homemade Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Chicken Broth, Water, Salt, Pepper, Bacon
The secret to making the best butter beans? Making them from scratch. This recipe takes a little extra time and effort, but the result is worth it. Soak dried butter beans overnight for the most tender and delicious beans you've ever tasted.
6of 20
Old Fashioned Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Water, Stewing Hen, Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme
Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that is often made with chicken, pork, and beef. This recipe adds a twist by using beer can chicken as the main protein. The result is a hearty and comforting stew that will warm you up from the inside out.
7of 20
Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Water, Stewhen, Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme
If you prefer a more traditional Brunswick stew, this recipe is for you. Made with chicken, pork, and beef, this stew is slow-cooked in a Dutch oven for maximum flavor. The addition of apple cider vinegar gives this stew a tangy kick.
8of 20
Sausage and Succotash Soup with Collards
Main Ingredients: Smoked Sausage, Sweet Onion, Medium Carrot, Celery
This hearty soup is packed with Southern flavors, including butter beans, collard greens, and sausage. The combination of vegetables, protein, and spices makes for a delicious and filling meal, perfect for a cold day.
9of 20
Braised Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, White Onion, Collard Greens, Butter
Cooked with ham hocks and bacon, these collard greens are full of smoky and savory flavors. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
10of 20
Butterbean Hummus
Main Ingredients: Bacon Strips, Butter Beans, Garlic Clove, Water, Fresh
Who says hummus has to be made with chickpeas? This recipe uses butter beans instead, giving this dip a unique and creamy texture. Serve with pita chips or fresh veggies for a tasty appetizer.
11of 20
Spelt-Butterbean Salad
Main Ingredients: Spelt Berries, Butter Beans, Broccoli Florets, Fresh
This salad is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy butter beans. Made with spelt, a nutritious grain, and fresh herbs, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for your beer can chicken.
12of 20
Butterbean Mushroom Stew
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Mushrooms, Baby Spinach, Tomatoes, Water
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this stew is for you. Made with butter beans, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables, this stew is full of flavor and nutrients. Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
13of 20
Kale, Leek & Butterbean Stew
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Leek, Garlic, Celery, Fresh
Kale and leeks are two underrated vegetables that add a ton of flavor and nutrition to this stew. Combined with butter beans and spices, this stew is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your beer can chicken leftovers.
14of 20
Butterbean & Garlic Spread
Main Ingredients: Butterbeans, Fresh Italian Parsley, Garlic Cloves
This simple spread is a great way to elevate your brunch game. Made with butter beans, garlic, and olive oil, this spread is perfect for spreading on toast or crackers. Top with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
15of 20
Prawn and Butterbean Tagine
Main Ingredients: Couscous, Olive Oil, Onion, Preserved Lemon, Garlic
This Moroccan-inspired dish is a delicious way to enjoy butter beans. The combination of prawns, spices, and butter beans creates a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
16of 20
Cheese and Butterbean Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Portabella Mushrooms, Butterbeans, Garlic
These stuffed mushrooms make for a tasty and impressive appetizer. Filled with a mixture of butter beans, cheese, and herbs, these mushrooms are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next party.
17of 20
Pea And Mint Butterbean Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Frozen Peas
This light and refreshing soup is a great way to use up leftover beer can chicken. Made with peas, butter beans, and fresh mint, this soup is full of springtime flavors that are sure to brighten up any meal.
18of 20
Roasted Beetroot and Butterbean Soup
Main Ingredients: Beetroot, Potato, Red Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Stock
If you're a fan of beets, you have to try this soup. Roasted beets give this soup a rich and earthy flavor, while butter beans add creaminess and protein. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and colorful meal.
19of 20
Chicken, Chorizo & Butterbean Stew
Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Large Red Onion, Large Garlic Cloves
This hearty stew is a favorite in Spanish cuisine, and for good reason. The combination of chicken, chorizo, and butter beans creates a flavorful and filling dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party with friends.
This classic Southern version of Brunswick stew is simple but delicious. Made with chicken, pork, and beef, this stew is slow-cooked for hours to create a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
The History of Southern Butterbeans
The Beginnings
Butterbeans, also known as lima beans, have been a part of Southern cooking since the 1800s. They were introduced to the South by African slaves who brought them from their homeland. These legumes quickly became a popular crop in the South due to their ability to thrive in the hot and humid climate.
A Southern Staple
Butterbeans were a staple in Southern cuisine, especially during the Great Depression. They were an inexpensive and filling food source for families, and many recipes were created to make the most out of this versatile ingredient. Today, butterbeans are still a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking and can be found in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and dips.
The Recipe: Southern Butterbean Casserole
Now that you know a little bit about the history of butterbeans in Southern cuisine, let's dive into a delicious and easy recipe that showcases this beloved ingredient.
Ingredients:
2 cups of dried butterbeans, soaked overnight
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Drain the soaked butterbeans and add them to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Southern butterbean casserole!
In conclusion, Southern butterbeans are a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking with a rich history and a versatile nature. This butterbean casserole recipe is just one of the many ways to enjoy this classic Southern staple. Give it a try and discover the deliciousness of Southern butterbeans for yourself!
