Grandma Terry's Southern Beans

Savor the comforting taste of "Grandma Terry's Southern Beans," a soul-warming dish brimming with rich, smoky flavors and rustic charm. This hearty recipe combines tender, slow-simmered pinto beans with the deep, savory essence of smoked ham hock or turkey leg, elevated by aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika. Cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth, these beans achieve a perfectly creamy texture that’s irresistibly satisfying. Garnished with fresh parsley and optionally spiced with hot sauce, this Southern classic pairs beautifully with cornbread or fluffy steamed rice, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. Perfect for cozy gatherings and slow-cooked meals, this dish is a true testament to Southern tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans
• 1 piece smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 2 inches. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and add the smoked ham hock or turkey leg, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3

Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the chicken broth, water, and bay leaf. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer the beans gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 5

After 2.5 hours, check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft and creamy but not falling apart. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste. If you'd like additional spice, stir in the optional hot sauce at this stage.

Step 6

Remove the smoked ham hock or turkey leg from the pot. Shred off any meat, discarding the bones, and stir the meat back into the beans.

Step 7

Ladle the Southern beans into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or steamed rice for a true Southern delight.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2748.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1162.7

Total Fat 28.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 119mg	0%
Sodium 9023.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.2g	0%
Total Sugars 9.6g
Protein 91.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 436.3mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 4080.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.4%

Protein: 31.1%

Carbs: 47.5%