I had a hard time deciding if these creamy butter beans were a side dish or as a main. We had them as a main dish, with cornbread. And we had them as a side. So… they’re both a main dish and a side dish!! And they are so creamy good!
Place beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover them by 2". Let soak for 24 hours. Drain.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, and carrots and saute until just starting to get tender.
Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
Crumble in the dried thyme and black pepper and stir.
Add the ham, jowl bacon, chicken stock, bay leaves and 4 cups of water.
Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and continue simmering for an hour.
Add beans, butter, parsley, and Cajun seasoning and stir.
Bring back to a simmer and simmer for another 1 hours and 30 minutes or until the beans are done and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce gets too thick add more water or chicken stock.