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Neck Bones and Lima Beans: A Hearty Southern Comfort Food

Shruthi
Neck Bones and Lima Beans is a traditional Southern soul food dish featuring tender pork neck bones simmered with creamy lima beans and aromatic seasonings. The slow cooking process creates a rich, flavorful broth that perfectly complements the buttery texture of the beans. This hearty one-pot meal is affordable, nutritious, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Commonly served with cornbread or rice, it provides a satisfying balance of protein and fiber. The dish showcases the Southern tradition of transforming simple ingredients into deeply flavorful comfort food. Its timeless appeal makes it a favorite family recipe throughout the South.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Soul Food, southern american
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 pounds pork neck bones
  • 1 pound dried lima beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced

Instructions
 

Brown the Neck Bones

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot.Add neck bones and brown on all sides.Remove excess grease if desired.

Cook the Aromatics

  • Add onion and celery to the pot.Sauté until softened.Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Simmer the Meat

  • Add broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and seasoning salt.Bring to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer for 1½ hours.

Add the Lima Beans

  • Drain soaked lima beans.Add beans to the pot.Continue simmering for 45–60 minutes until beans are tender.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove bay leaves.Taste and adjust seasonings.Garnish with parsley and green onions.Serve hot with rice or cornbread.

Notes

  • Soaking lima beans overnight helps them cook evenly.
  • Smoked neck bones add extra flavor.
  • Homemade broth enhances richness.
  • Remove excess fat for a lighter dish.
  • Adjust seasonings according to taste.
  • The dish thickens as it cools.
  • Leftovers develop even deeper flavor.
  • Freeze portions for convenient future meals.
Keyword Lima Beans and Pork, Neck Bones and Lima Beans, Pork Neck Bones Recipe, Southern Comfort Food, Southern Soul Food, Traditional Southern Dinner