Slow Simmered Navy Beans with Fatback and Fry Bread 🍲✨

This is true Southern comfort food at its finest—a simple, satisfying bowl of tender navy beans slow-simmered with smoky fatback, paired with a crispy, golden hoecake (fry bread) perfect for sopping up that rich, flavorful juice. It’s a timeless, rustic meal that’s guaranteed to bring warmth to your table.

Ingredients

For the Navy Beans

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and soaked overnight

• 6 cups water or chicken broth

• 4 oz fatback, sliced into pieces

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

For the Hoecake (Fry Bread)

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup hot water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make Slow Simmered Navy Beans

1. Prepare the Beans

• Rinse the dried navy beans and soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Simmer the Beans

• In a large pot, add the soaked navy beans, water (or broth), and fatback. Bring to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
• Cover and let the beans simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy. Add a splash of water if the liquid reduces too much.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Make the Hoecake (Fry Bread)

1. Make the Batter

• In a medium bowl, mix the cornmeal and salt.
• Gradually stir in the hot water until a thick, smooth batter forms.

2. Fry the Hoecake

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Scoop the batter into the skillet, spreading it into a round, flat hoecake.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the tender, slow-simmered navy beans in a bowl with plenty of juice.
• Pair with the crispy, golden hoecake to “sop up” that delicious, smoky broth.
• Add a side of sautéed greens, coleslaw, or sliced tomatoes for a true Southern meal.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Simmered Navy Beans with Fatback and Fry Bread is a meal straight from the heart of Southern kitchens. It’s simple, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, delivering all the comfort you need in one bowl.

Now grab your skillet, soak those beans, and enjoy this timeless classic—true Southern comfort food that warms the soul. 😋✨

Let me know how it turns out for you and what special touches you add to make it your own! 🌾🍲