Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Southern comfort food! This classic recipe is more than just a meal—it's a nostalgic embrace that transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with rich aromas and generations of culinary tradition. With tender beans, perfectly diced potatoes, and golden cornbread that melts in your mouth, this dish promises to become an instant family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans (pinto or navy)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornbread mix for baking
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried beans thoroughly, removing any stones or damaged beans. Soak the beans overnight in cold water, or use a quick-soak method by boiling for 2 minutes and then letting them rest for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then transfer them to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add chopped onions, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beans. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Bring the bean mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After beans have cooked for an hour, add diced potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes until beans and potatoes are tender.
- While beans are cooking, prepare cornbread according to package instructions, typically mixing with milk and eggs, then baking in a preheated 425°F oven in a cast-iron skillet for about 20 minutes.
- Taste the bean and potato mixture, adjusting seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. The consistency should be slightly thick but not dry.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with freshly baked cornbread on the side.
Tips
- Bean Soaking Secrets: Always sort and rinse your beans before soaking to remove any debris. Overnight soaking or the quick-soak method helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Flavor Boosting Trick: For extra depth, consider adding a smoked ham hock or bacon during cooking to enhance the traditional Southern flavor profile.
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe.
- Cornbread Pro Tip: For an authentic touch, bake your cornbread in a preheated cast-iron skillet to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Seasoning Strategy: Don't be afraid to adjust seasonings. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky note, but you can also experiment with cayenne or dried thyme for variation.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for deeper, more developed flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
