Are you craving a comforting, deeply flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Southern Style Neck Bones recipe is a true taste of the South, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender, fall-off-the-bone neck bones simmered in a rich and savory broth – it’s a dish that’ll warm your soul and leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a delicious and healthy meal without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork neck bones
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Neck Bones
Rinse the neck bones under cold water and pat them dry. This simple step helps to remove any excess impurities. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This process is crucial for building a rich and flavorful base for your soup. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmering to Perfection
Add the seasoned neck bones to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the bones. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and easily falls off the bone. Longer simmering times result in even more flavorful broth.
Step 4: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Once the neck bones are cooked through, carefully remove them from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bones. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the broth. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish is delicious on its own or served with your favorite sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or collard greens.
Cooking Tips for the Best Neck Bones:
- Bone Selection: Choose neck bones with a good amount of meat attached for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Slow and Low: Low and slow cooking is key to achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the meat.
- Broth Enhancement: For an even richer broth, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the vegetables.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder dish, omit it entirely.
Variations:
- Spicy Neck Bones: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- BBQ Neck Bones: After shredding the meat, toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and tangy twist.
- Cabbage Neck Bones: Add a chopped head of cabbage during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. Consider using a nutritional calculator for a more precise estimate. However, this dish is generally a good source of protein and collagen.
This Southern Style Neck Bones recipe is a delightful example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, perfect for those seeking easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!