Stewed Butter Beans with Smoked Turkey

1. 1

   Using a sharp knife, score the turkey pieces about 1/4-inch deep in several places.

2. 2

   Place the turkey in a large soup pot or stockpot and add the chicken broth, Essence, cayenne pepper and bay leaves.

3. 3

   Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the turkey, covered, until falling-from-the-bones tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

5. 5

   Set aside until cool enough to handle, then remove the meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones.

6. 6

   Tear the meat into bite-size pieces and set aside.

7. 7

   Reserve the stock separately.

8. 8

   In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil until hot.

9. 9

   Add the onions, celery, green and red bell peppers and cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 4 to 6 minutes.

10. 10

    Add the garlic and the thyme and cook for 1 minute.

11. 11

    Add the beans and 6 cups of the reserved stock (add water if necessary to bring the volume up to 6 cups) and return to a boil.

12. 12

    Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the beans are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape, about 1 1/2 hours.

13. 13

    The beans should be moist but not soupy.

14. 14

    (If the beans are too soupy by the time they are tender, strain the beans and return the cooking liquid to the fire until reduced to a thick sauce consistency.

15. 15

    Return the reduced cooking liquid to the beans.)

16. 16

    Stir the reserved turkey meat into the beans and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

17. 17

    Garnish with the chopped parsley, chives and basil and serve while hot with the Broiled Catfish and Spicy Braised Greens, if desired.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.