Best Easy Smoked Neck Bones with Beans Recipe

Smoked neck bones simmered with white beans create a hearty, protein-packed Southern family soup. This budget-friendly, smoky dish is deeply comforting and perfect with a side of cornbread.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal
#southern #smoked pork #bean soup #comfort food
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • smoked pork neck bones 2 lbs
  • dry white beans 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • celery stalks 2 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • water 8 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 36%
Protein 22 g 24%
Fat 15 g 40%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pick over and rinse the dry white beans, then soak them overnight in plenty of cold water for the best texture.

  2. 2

    Drain the beans. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the smoked neck bones for 3–4 minutes per side to boost depth of flavor.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and sliced carrot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables just begin to soften.

  4. 4

    Add the soaked beans, water, bay leaves, smashed garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and skim any foam that rises.

  5. 5

    Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 2–2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the beans are creamy and the neck bones are very tender.

  6. 6

    Remove the neck bones. When cool enough, pick off any meat and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaves. Stir in kosher salt to taste, simmer 10 minutes more, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredients are smoked pork neck bones and white beans. The smoky neck bones infuse the beans with rich, savory depth and classic Southern flavor, making them essential for the soup's unique taste and texture. The white beans add creaminess and bulk to the dish.
Q. What cooking technique is most important for great results?
Gentle simmering over low heat for at least 2 hours is crucial. This slow cooking allows the beans to become creamy without falling apart and tenderizes the neck bones, letting the flavors develop fully. Periodic stirring ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Q. How can I avoid mushy beans or tough meat?
Soak the beans overnight and simmer without boiling to keep beans tender but intact. Browning the neck bones first adds flavor, and slow simmering ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out. Avoid rapid boiling, as it can break beans and toughen meat.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving contain?
Each 350g serving provides about 360 kcal, with 22g of protein, 32g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. Protein makes up 24% of the calories, giving this dish a hearty, balanced profile perfect as a comforting family meal.
AI 채팅 아이콘