Navy Beans & Pig Tails – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Hearty, Slow-Simmered Southern Soul Food Classic

Rich, savory, and full of comforting Southern flavor, Navy Beans & Pig Tails is a traditional soul food dish that transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Made with dried navy beans, tender pig tails, and simple seasonings, this slow-simmered favorite delivers a rich broth and creamy beans that are perfect for family dinners and Sunday suppers.

Featured as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this dish reflects the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of African American Southern cooking. Recipes like this demonstrate how affordable ingredients, patient cooking, and generations of kitchen knowledge can create meals that are both nourishing and deeply flavorful.

Whether served with a warm slice of cornbread, a helping of collard greens, or a spoonful of rice, Navy Beans & Pig Tails is a timeless Southern comfort food worth bringing back to the family table.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 2 pounds pig tails, salt pork or neckbones
• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 1 small onion
• Salt and pepper

Makes: 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the pig tails, salt pork, or neckbones in a large saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough water to completely cover the meat.

2. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking until the meat becomes tender and begins to soften. Remove the meat from the cooking liquid and set it aside, keeping the flavorful broth in the pot.

3. Add the dried navy beans and whole small onion to the reserved broth. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the amount to your preference.

4. Allow the beans to simmer gently until they become soft and tender. Check the pot occasionally, adding more water whenever necessary to keep the beans from drying out.

5. Once the meat has cooled enough to handle, remove any bones and separate the tender meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the pot with the navy beans.

6. Continue simmering over low heat until the beans are very tender and can be easily mashed with a fork. As the beans soften, they will naturally thicken the broth, creating a rich, comforting consistency.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Ladle the hot navy beans and tender pork into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of the savory broth.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Soak the navy beans overnight to help shorten their cooking time and encourage even tenderness. This is an optional preparation step, not included in the original cookbook recipe.
• Choose your favorite cut of pork. Pig tails provide rich flavor, while neckbones offer a similarly hearty alternative. Salt pork adds a more concentrated salty flavor.
• Season carefully when using salt pork, since cured pork can already contain a significant amount of salt.
• For extra Southern-style flavor, add a bay leaf, minced garlic, or a pinch of smoked paprika while the beans simmer.
• Mash a small portion of the cooked beans against the side of the pot if you prefer an especially thick and creamy broth.
• Serve with hot cornbread, collard greens, steamed rice, or sautéed cabbage for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

About the Recipe

Navy Beans & Pig Tails represents a longstanding tradition of Southern home cooking built around making the most of available ingredients. Throughout African American culinary history, dried beans and economical cuts of pork have played an important role in preparing filling, flavorful meals for families and communities.

Slow-simmered bean dishes became especially meaningful in Southern kitchens because they could stretch modest ingredients into generous servings. Pig tails, neckbones, and salt pork contributed flavor and richness, while dried beans provided substance and nourishment.

The cooking method is simple but effective: simmer the pork until tender, allow the beans to absorb the seasoned broth, and continue cooking until everything comes together in a thick, savory dish.

Its inclusion as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook recognizes the importance of preserving traditional African American recipes and passing down the cooking techniques that connect generations.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional favorites, and family dishes that celebrate the rich culinary legacy of African American communities.