good lima bean recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best good lima bean recipe

I’ve been making this good lima bean recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re working with fresh vegetables like lima beans. They’re so easy to grow in our backyard garden, and they add such a wonderful texture and flavor to this dish.

I remember the first time I made this recipe – I was still a young mom, trying to get my feet wet in the world of cooking. My husband and I had just moved into our first home, and I was determined to make meals from scratch that would bring us all together as a family. This lima bean recipe was one of the first ones I mastered, and it’s been a staple in our household ever since.

It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to your table. The key to making this recipe work is to cook the lima beans just right – not too soft, not too hard. If you overcook them, they’ll lose their lovely green color and become mushy.

But if you cook them perfectly, they’ll retain their tender crunch and stay deliciously fresh-tasting. This is where the magic happens, folks! The secret to making great lima beans is all about timing and technique.

You see, when you cook lima beans for too long, they start to break down and lose their nutrients. But when you cook them just right – about 15 minutes or until they’re tender but still crisp – you get the best of both worlds: flavor and nutrition combined! My kids always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!)

when we have this recipe for dinner. And it’s not just about the taste; it’s also about the memories we create around the dinner table.

Classic Lima Bean Stew

4.6 from 811 votes

A hearty and comforting lima bean stew perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe combines tender lima beans with savory vegetables and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

1 pound dried lima beans
6 cups water
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the lima beans under cold water.
2Pick out any debris.
3Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of water.
4Bring to a boil over high heat.
5Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
6Remove from heat.
7Allow the beans to soak for 30 minutes.
8Drain and rinse the beans.
Set aside.
9While the beans are soaking, prepare the vegetables.
10Dice the onion, carrots, and celery using a cutting board and a sharp knife.
11Mince the garlic cloves.
12Set the vegetables aside.
13In the same large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil.
14Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
15Stir to combine.
16Cook the vegetables for 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the carrots are slightly softened.
17Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
18Add the drained and rinsed lima beans to the pot.
19Stir to combine with the vegetables.
20Add the diced tomatoes (including juice), thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
21Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
22Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
23Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lima beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
24Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
25If the stew becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
26Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
27Serve the lima bean stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
28Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Classic Lima Bean Stew Works

This good lima bean recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. One of my favorite things about this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile; serve it as a side dish or use it as a main course by adding some protein like chicken or tofu.

And because it’s made with simple ingredients like butter and milk (yes, you read that right!) , you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones without worrying about breaking the bank or sacrificing nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lima Bean Stew

Q: What type of lima beans should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use baby lima beans or frozen baby lima beans.

Q: Can I use canned lima beans instead of fresh or frozen?

While canned lima beans are convenient, they often contain added salt and preservatives that can affect the flavor of your dish.

Q: How do I prepare fresh lima beans?

Simply rinse them under cold water, then remove any stems or strings before using in your recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients up to a day in advance; however, it’s best to cook the lima beans just before serving.

Q: Is there a way to customize this recipe for different tastes?

Sure! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.

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