19 Southern Recipe For Lentil Beans You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 25, 2024
Lentils are a staple in Southern cuisine, offering a hearty and nutritious addition to any meal. These small, colorful beans are packed with protein, fiber, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are a seasoned lentil lover or new to this legume, here is a delicious and authentic Southern recipe for lentil beans that will have you coming back for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
There's nothing quite like the perfect side dish to complement a delicious beer can chicken. These barbecue baked beans are the epitome of Southern comfort food and will have your taste buds singing with joy. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors will have you reaching for seconds and thirds.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
No Southern barbecue is complete without a serving of buttery, creamy lima beans. These tender beans are a classic staple in Southern cooking and pair perfectly with any meat dish, especially beer can chicken. With a touch of salt and pepper, these lima beans will melt in your mouth and leave you feeling satisfied.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Similar to lima beans, Southern butter beans are a must-have side dish for any barbecue. These hearty beans are packed with flavor and are a great source of protein. Whether you prefer them spicy or mild, these butter beans will add a touch of Southern charm to your beer can chicken dinner.
Black-eyed peas are a Southern favorite and are often eaten for good luck on New Year's Day. But why wait for a special occasion to enjoy these delicious legumes? With a smokey ham hock and a little bit of hot sauce, these black-eyed peas will take your beer can chicken to the next level.
Baked beans are a classic barbecue side dish, and for good reason. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible. This Southern twist on the traditional baked beans recipe adds a touch of bourbon for a little extra kick. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Green beans may seem like a simple side dish, but when prepared Southern-style, they are anything but ordinary. These garlic-infused green beans are cooked with bacon and onions for a burst of flavor in every bite. The perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
On a chilly evening, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of soup. This Southern-inspired soup combines collard greens, black-eyed peas, and ham for a hearty and comforting meal. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Speaking of comfort food, this crockpot ham and beans recipe is a staple in Southern households. The slow cooker does all the work, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender ham, creamy beans, and creole seasoning will warm your soul.
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Southern Inspired Greens, Beans & Ham Soup
Main Ingredients: Cubed Ham, Beans, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens
Smoked turkey adds a delicious twist to these Southern-style Northern beans. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy beans and creates a unique and delicious side dish for your beer can chicken. Don't be surprised if this becomes a new family favorite.
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Crockpot Ham and Beans - A Southern comfort food staple
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Pinto Beans, Onion, Beans, Water, Salt, Pepper
If you're a fan of lima beans, you'll love this Southern-style baby lima bean recipe. These tiny beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory flavor that will have you going back for seconds. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete Southern meal.
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Southern Northern Beans and Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Bean, Olive Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic
These smoky Southern baked beans are a must-try for any barbecue lover. The combination of smoked sausage, bacon, and barbecue sauce creates a flavor-packed side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Make sure to make a big batch because these beans will go fast.
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Southern Style Baby Lima Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chicken Broth, Garlic, Onion Powder, Sugar
Simple yet delicious, these Southern beans are a classic side dish that never goes out of style. Cooked with onions and ham hock, these beans are hearty and flavorful. Serve them with some cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
Another take on the classic butter bean recipe, this Southern-style version adds a little bit of bacon and a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. These creamy beans are the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and will add a touch of Southern charm to your dinner table.
What's a Southern meal without some cornbread? This Southern skillet cornbread is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken dinner. The crispy edges and soft, buttery center will have you reaching for seconds. Bonus points if you use a cast iron skillet.
Succotash is a traditional Southern dish made with corn, lima beans, and other vegetables. This hearty stew is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
These Southern butter beans are taken to the next level with the addition of crispy bacon. The combination of creamy beans and salty bacon is a match made in heaven. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or potluck.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
If you love black-eyed peas but don't have the time to cook them on the stove, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for you. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The result is tender, flavorful black-eyed peas that pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Butter Beans with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Small Onion, Butter Beans, College Inn Chicken
For our vegan friends, we didn't forget about you! This Southern black-eyed pea recipe is completely plant-based and full of delicious flavors. With the addition of coconut milk and cajun seasoning, these black-eyed peas are anything but bland.
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Southern Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Water, Chicken Bouillon Cubes
Rice and beans may seem like a simple dish, but in true Southern fashion, we've added a few extra ingredients to take it to the next level. With sausage, onion, and bell pepper, this dish is packed with flavor and is a perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Vegan)
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Water, Onion, Garlic, Bell
This one-pot dish is a staple in many Southern households. Tender green beans and potatoes are cooked with bacon and onions for a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Plus, it's easy to make and saves on dishes.
The Key Ingredients
To make this Southern-style lentil bean recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Lentils
The star of the dish, lentils come in a variety of colors such as green, red, and yellow. For this recipe, we recommend using green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape and texture better when cooked. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and are also high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
2. Smoked Ham Hock
Smoked ham hock is a traditional ingredient in Southern cooking and adds a rich, smoky flavor to the lentils. You can find smoked ham hocks at your local butcher or grocery store.
3. Vegetables
This recipe calls for onions, carrots, and celery, also known as the "holy trinity" in Southern cuisine. These vegetables provide a flavorful base for the lentils and add some extra nutrients to the dish.
4. Seasonings
To enhance the flavor of the lentils, we will be using a combination of dried thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Make sure to use good quality dried herbs for the best results.
5. Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds depth and richness to the lentils, but you can also use vegetable broth or water if preferred.
The Cooking Process
To make this Southern-style lentil bean recipe, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ham Hock
In a large pot, add the smoked ham hock and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
3. Add the Vegetables
Once the ham hock is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. In the same pot, sauté the diced vegetables until they are soft and translucent.
4. Add the Lentils and Seasonings
Rinse the lentils and add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper.
5. Simmer and Serve
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the lentils simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Remove the bay leaves and shred the ham hock meat, then add it back to the pot. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Southern-style lentil beans.
In conclusion, this Southern recipe for lentil beans is a must-try for any lentil lover or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet. Not only is it nutritious and delicious, but it also showcases the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cooking. So why not give it a try and add a taste of the South to your next meal?
