Introduction:
If you’re looking to add a touch of Southern comfort to your meals, look no further than the savory speckled butter beans. This beloved side dish has been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing these delicious butter beans step by step. So, let’s get cooking!
The Origin of “Speckled Butter Beans”
Growing up in the South, I knew these beans as “colored butter beans.” However, depending on where you’re from, they may be called speckled butter beans. It’s always interesting to see the different names we give to the same beloved dish. The memories associated with these beans bring a smile to my face.
The Quest for Butter Beans
In the summer of 2021, I embarked on a journey to find fresh butter beans in their shells. Unfortunately, it proved to be quite a challenge. Even the NC State Farmer’s Market couldn’t provide them in their shells anymore. Nowadays, convenience seems to drive the market, with shelled beans being the norm.
Frozen Butter Beans to the Rescue
Luckily, I managed to find some frozen speckled butter beans at my local grocery store. While availability may vary, I encourage you to keep an eye out for them on your next shopping trip. Trust me, once you taste these beans, you’ll be hooked too!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Speckled Butter Beans
- Seasoning (Salted Pork Fat Back, Ham Hock, Bacon Grease, Side Meat, or Smoked Turkey)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Slice the Fatback:
- Start by slicing the fatback into thin pieces. While it may not be as thick as the ones Mama used back in the day, it will still add incredible flavor to your beans.
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Rinse the Beans:
- Give your frozen beans a good rinse under cold running water. It’s always a good practice to rinse them before cooking.
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Cook the Beans:
- Place the rinsed beans in a large stockpot. Add the fatback to the beans and cover them with an inch or two of water.
- Put the pot over medium heat and bring the beans to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let them simmer until tender. This should take around 45 minutes or longer. Make sure not to overcook them, as they can turn mushy.
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Season to Perfection:
- Once the beans start to get tender, add a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir them into the beans, cover the pot, and continue cooking until the beans are fully tender. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the speckled butter beans while warm. They make a perfect side dish for any meal. You can even enjoy them with a side of hoecakes.
Share Your Speckled Butter Bean Stories
Have you had the pleasure of trying speckled butter beans? We would love to hear about your experience and memories associated with this classic Southern dish. Leave your comments below, and remember that all comments are moderated before appearing on our family-friendly website.
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Be Blessed!
Steve
Tags: butter beans, butterbeans, colored butter beans, featured, full image, made from scratch, old-time recipes, pepper, salt, side dishes, sliced fatback, southern side dishes, speckled butter beans, Steve Gordon, Taste of Southern
Category: Side Dishes
