Butter Beans That Hit Every Time
If you know, you know—butter beans done right will make you want to kiss the chef. Creator @daeatzwitbri takes us on a flavorful journey inspired by her mama’s cooking. Though her mom never got the chance to make this specific dish, Bri brought it to life—and let’s just say, these beans are jumpin’.
Simmered low and slow with smoked turkey wings, seasoned with a soulful blend of spices, and served with hot water cornbread, this dish is everything comfort food is supposed to be: hearty, flavorful, nostalgic, and made with love. Whether you’re feeding the family or just need something warm and filling, these butter beans will have you going back for seconds—and thirds.
Ingredients List
For the Butter Beans
- 1 lb dry butter beans (or large lima beans), soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (more if you love garlic like Bri!)
- 2–3 smoked turkey wings
- 6–8 cups water (enough to cover turkey and beans)
Seasoning Blend
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Dried rosemary, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 cubes chicken bouillon (or “chicken bou”)
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama Hot Blend (or your favorite spicy seasoning)
For the Hot Water Cornbread
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ to 1 cup boiling hot water
- Oil for frying
Steps: How to Make Butter Beans with Smoked Turkey
1. Prep the Flavor Base
- Chop one onion, one bell pepper, and 4–5 cloves of garlic.
- Don’t be shy with the garlic if you love bold flavor.
2. Boil the Turkey Wings
- In a large pot, cover your smoked turkey wings with water and bring to a boil.
- Add in black pepper, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, bouillon cubes, and spicy seasoning.
3. Simmer Low and Slow
- Let the turkey cook on low for about 3½ hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and the broth is deeply flavored.
4. Add the Butter Beans
- Once the turkey is cooked, add the soaked and drained butter beans to the pot.
- Let everything simmer until the beans are soft and creamy, about 1–1½ hours more.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Soak your beans overnight to speed up cooking time and improve texture.
- Use smoked turkey necks or legs if wings aren’t available.
- Taste as you go—the broth should be flavorful before you even add the beans.
- Hot water cornbread is perfect for sopping up the pot liquor—don’t skip it!
About the Creator
This recipe is by Bri, the soulful home cook behind @daeatzwitbri. Known for her warm storytelling and bold flavors, Bri celebrates Southern Black food traditions with every bite. Whether it’s beans, greens, or cornbread, she’s all about honoring where we came from—one plate at a time.
Bri | @daeatzwitbri