How to Cook Neck Bones and Potatoes on the Stove

Last modified on May 21st, 2022 at 11:32 am

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When most people think of soul food, they think of calorie-loaded dishes like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. While these traditional favorites are definitely a part of the genre, soul food is about more than just comfort food. Do you love soul food? If so, you’ll love this recipe for neck bones and potatoes. This is an easy and delicious dish that everyone will love.

It’s no secret that potatoes and neck bones make a great pair. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a dish that brings out the best in both ingredients. Neck bones are rich in flavor and add a bit of heartiness to this dish, while potatoes provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor. In this blog post, we will show you how to cook neck bones and potatoes on the stove. So, let’s get started!

Neck Bones and Potatoes: What Makes It So Good?

Neck bones are a popular ingredient in traditional southern cooking. Used in everything from stews and soups to braised meats, these flavorful and protein-rich bones add a rich, savory flavor that is hard to beat. But did you know that neck bones also have an unexpected versatility?

When cooked over low heat with some hearty potatoes and a variety of spices, they can be transformed into a delicious side dish or main course. The key is to allow the potatoes plenty of time to soak up all the delicious flavors of the bone broth, while never allowing them to fall apart. If you’re looking for a versatile and incredibly flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion, look no further than neck bones and potatoes!

At the butcher or meat counter, neck bones are often unappealing, seen as nothing more than gristly chunks of meat. However, what many people don’t realize is that these bones actually have a wide range of health benefits

Health Benefits of Neck Bones and Potatoes

Neck bones and potatoes offer a variety of health benefits that make them a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Neck bones are an excellent source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle and repair tissue. They’re also a good source of collagen, which is important for healthy skin and joints.

Potatoes, on the other hand, are packed with vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. They’re also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and maintain blood sugar levels. When combined, neck bones and potatoes make a delicious and nutritious meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Nutritional Value

  • Calories: 322.9
  • Carbs: 31.5 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Fat: 8.7 g
  • Sugar: 2.5 g

Neck bones and potatoes may seem like an unlikely choice for a nutritious meal, but these humble ingredients are packed with essential nutrients that are crucial for healthy body function. And perhaps best of all, both neck bones and potatoes are relatively low in calories, making them the perfect choice if you’re watching your weight.

How to Cook Neck Bones and Potatoes on the Stove

Rinse the neck bones and then cover them with water in a large pot. You will then need to add some seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the neck bones are boiling, you can add the diced potatoes. The neck bones and potatoes should continue to cook until they are tender. 

What You’ll Need

  • 3 lbs fresh pork neck bones 
  • 1 1/2 large yellow onion
  • 2 packets brown gravy mix
  • 3 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 5 medium russet potatoes peeled, and sliced

Clean the Neck Bones

The bones are covered in a tough outer layer of skin, and the marrow inside can be full of grit. To make sure your neck bones are clean and free of dirt and debris, follow these steps. First, soak the neck bones in warm water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to loosen the skin and any clinging bits of meat. Next, use a sharp knife to scrape away the skin and any remaining meat. Finally, rinse the neck bones thoroughly under cold water.

Cook the Neck Bones

Cooking neck bones on the stove is a relatively easy process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that they turn out tender and flavorful. After cleaning the neck bones, add your seasonings of choice – we recommend seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – and cook until the neck bones are fully cooked through.

The neck bones should be covered with 2-3 inches of water and allowed to boil for 15 minutes skimming the foam off the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour.

Finally, be sure to add a bit of acidity towards the end of cooking, as this will help to balance out the richness of the neck bones. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice will do the trick.

Add Vegetable Broth and Potatoes

Pour 3 cups of vegetable broth into the pot along with 5 medium peeled and sliced potatoes. Allow everything to cook together on the stovetop for about 30 minutes, until the potatoes are soft and the liquid is rich and flavorful. As the broth simmers and bubbles, it will absorb all of those delicious flavors from the potatoes and infuse them throughout the entire dish. 

Serve and Enjoy

Now that you know how to cook neck bones and potatoes on the stove, it’s time to enjoy the meal! Serve the neck bones and potatoes with some green beans and cornbread, and you’re sure to have a soul food feast that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Make Neck Bones and Potatoes on the Stove?

Depending on the size of the neck bones and potatoes, this dish can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to prep and cook. It only takes 15 minutes to prep, and then you can let the slow cooker do the rest of the work. 

This recipe for neck bones and potatoes is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. The result is a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love. And best of all, leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy this dish all week long. 

How Long Does It Take for Neck Bones to Get Tender?

The answer depends on a number of factors, but generally speaking, neck bones need to be cooked for a longer period of time than other cuts of meat. This is because they are tough and full of connective tissue. A good rule of thumb is to cook them for at least two hours, or until they are falling-apart tender.

Can You Overcook Neck Bones?

As any experienced cook knows, there is a delicate balance to be struck when preparing food. Undercooking can lead to raw or underdone dishes, while overcooking can result in dry, tough, and flavorless food. This is especially true when cooking meat, as different cuts require different cooking times and methods in order to achieve the perfect results. So, what happens if you overcook neck bones?

While neck bones are relatively tough and require a longer cooking time than other cuts of meat, they can still be overcooked if left on the heat for too long. When this happens, the neck bones will become dry and difficult to chew. The flavor of the meat will also be significantly diminished, as all of the moisture will have been cooked out. In short, overcooking neck bones is not recommended if you want to enjoy them at their best!

What Animal Do Neck Bones Come From?

Neck bones come from the neck area of animals, usually from cows and pigs. The neck is often considered one of the most flavorful parts of an animal, as it contains a variety of tendons and muscles.

What Side Dishes Go Well With Neck Bones and Potatoes?

Some good options for side dishes to pair with neck bones include rice, sauteed greens like kale or broccoli rabe, and oven-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. Another delicious option is pasta tossed with a simple sauce like marinara or pesto, since the creamy texture of the pasta helps to balance out the richness of the neck bones. 

Conclusion

Southern soul food is a cuisine that has its roots in the deep south and has become synonymous with the region’s vibrant culture. And one of the most beloved dishes in southern soul food is neck bones with potatoes. 

So, if you were wondering how to cook neck bones and potatoes on the stove, it’s actually pretty simple. First, rinse the neck bones and then cover them with water in a large pot. Add seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the neck bones are boiling, add diced potatoes. Neck bones and potatoes should be cooked until tender.

Once you’ve cooked your meal, it’s time to enjoy it! Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy our soul food recipes!