Butter Beans with Cornbread

Ingredients

For Butter Beans:

• 2 cups dried butter beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 6 cups water (if using dried)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1-2 slices of ham or smoked turkey for extra flavor

For Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Butter Beans

1. If using dried beans:
   • Rinse beans, soak in water overnight (or quick-soak: boil 5 min, then let sit 1 hour).
   • Drain and rinse again.
2. In a large pot, heat oil or bacon grease over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add beans, water, bay leaf, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
5. If using canned beans, sauté onions and garlic, then add beans and seasonings; cook 15–20 min to meld flavors.
6. Remove bay leaf and any ham bone (if used) before serving.

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Step 2: Make Cornbread

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, oil/butter, and eggs.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix).
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 20–25 min, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

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Step 3: Serve

• Serve warm butter beans with a slice of cornbread on the side.
• Optional: drizzle cornbread with a little butter or honey for extra sweetness.