Slow Cooker Red Beans with Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe

Imagine sitting down to a cozy, home-cooked meal that warms your heart and tickles your taste buds. That’s precisely what you get with this Slow Cooker Red Beans with Smoked Turkey Wings dish. 

The meal brings the family together, filled with rich, smoky flavors and tender, creamy beans that have been patiently soaked overnight and then slow-cooked to perfection. 

Pair it with some freshly baked cornbread and a scoop of fluffy rice; you’ve got a comforting classic that will be requested repeatedly in your home. It’s not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

Red Kidney Beans: This recipe uses one pound of red kidney beans. They are soaked overnight to become soft and creamy.

Smoked Turkey Sausage: 12 ounces of smoked turkey sausage is used. This could be replaced with beef or Dewey if you wish.

Smoked Turkey Wings: A little over two and a half pounds of smoked turkey wings are used. Ham hock could be used as an alternative.

Bell Pepper: Half of a large bell pepper is used in this recipe. It provides a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.

Onion: Half of a medium onion is used. This is essential for the flavor base of the dish.

Garlic: Five cloves of garlic are used. This provides a pungent and spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Celery Sticks: Two celery sticks are used in this recipe. They provide a nice crunch and refreshing flavor.

Chicken Broth: 32 fluid ounces of chicken broth is used. This forms the liquid base of the dish. If you don’t have chicken broth, water can be used instead.

Bay Leaves: Two bay leaves are used. They add a subtle bitterness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.

Cajun Seasoning: This is added to taste. It provides a spicy and flavorful kick to the dish.

Louisiana Hot Sauce: This is also added to taste. It provides a tangy and spicy flavor that enhances the dish’s overall taste.

Butter: Three to four tablespoons of butter are used. This adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: One box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix makes cornbread as a side dish.

All-Purpose Flour: 3 quarters of a cup of all-purpose flour is added to the cornbread mix to make it fluffier.

Baking Powder: One teaspoon of baking powder is used to help the cornbread rise.

Eggs: Two large eggs are used in the cornbread mix. They help bind the ingredients together and give the cornbread structure.

Milk: This is used in the cornbread mix to bring it all together. The amount used depends on the consistency of the batter.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is used as a garnish. It adds a fresh and herby flavor to the dish.

Rice: Rice is served with the beans. The amount depends on how many servings you are making.

How To Make Slow Cooker Red Beans with Smoked Turkey Wings

Soaking the Beans

Overnight Soak: Begin by soaking the red kidney beans overnight. This will help to soften them and make them easier to cook. Add the beans to a bowl and cover with water. The water level should be about two inches above the beans.

Preparing the Ingredients

Chopping the Vegetables: The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Chop half a large bell pepper, half a medium onion, and two celery sticks. Mince five cloves of garlic.

Preparing the Meat: Cut 12 ounces of smoked turkey sausage into slices. Also, prepare over two and a half pounds of smoked turkey wings.

Using the Slow Cooker

Adding Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed beans, turkey wings, and sausage into a six-quart slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables and pour in 32 fluid ounces of chicken broth. Add two bay leaves.

Cooking: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and let it cook for four hours.

Seasoning the Dish

Adding the Seasonings: After four hours, stir the mixture and add the seasonings. This includes Cajun seasoning, Louisiana hot sauce, and butter. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preference.

Continued Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another hour.

Making the Cornbread

Preparing the Cornbread Mix: While the beans are cooking, prepare the cornbread. Combine one box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with 3 quarters of a cup of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Add two large eggs and enough milk to bring the mixture together.

Baking the Cornbread: Pour the cornbread batter into a buttered cast iron skillet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s done.

Serving the Dish

Removing Bay Leaves: Before serving the beans, remove the bay leaves.

Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the beans with freshly chopped parsley and serve with rice and freshly baked cornbread. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker red beans and rice with cornbread!

What to Serve with Red Beans with Smoked Turkey Wings

The Slow Cooker Red Beans with Smoked Turkey Wings is a hearty dish on its own, but here are some additional serving suggestions to complete your meal:

1. White or Brown Rice: This is a classic pairing with red beans. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce from the beans and complements the smoky flavor of the turkey wings.
2. Cornbread: As mentioned in the recipe, a fluffy, golden cornbread pairs perfectly with the beans and provides a sweet contrast to the savory beans and turkey.
3. Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the beans and turkey wings.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would add a healthy and flavorful side to this dish.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty beans and turkey.
6. Fried Plantains: For a touch of sweetness, fried plantains can serve this dish a delicious and unique side.

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