Description
Creamy Southern Butter Beans is a comforting, hearty side dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in savory chicken broth, enriched with butter, bacon, and cream for a rich and satisfying Southern-style flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried butter beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter, chopped onion, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans and Broth: Add the drained butter beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer Beans: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
- Season: Season the beans with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Add Cream and Bacon: Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon, then simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- If using canned butter beans, drain and rinse them, and reduce simmer time to 20 to 25 minutes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
