easy lima bean recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best easy lima bean recipe

I’m so excited to share this easy lima bean recipe with you all today! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for them to get involved.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in no time. Lima beans are a staple in our house, and I just can’t get enough of them. They’re so versatile – you can add them to soups, stews, casseroles, or even just sauté them with some garlic and herbs for a quick side dish.

This recipe is a great way to introduce your family to the wonderful world of lima beans. I like to think of it as a comfort food that never fails to put a smile on my face. It’s also super healthy, packed with fiber and protein, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.

The key to making this recipe work is using the right type of lima beans – I like to use baby limas or frozen ones that have been thawed and drained well. Fresh ones can be too starchy for my taste, but feel free to experiment if you prefer them! Once you’ve got your limas sorted, it’s just a matter of cooking them up with some aromatics and seasonings until they’re tender and delicious.

Simple as that! My family loves this recipe because it’s so easy to customize – add some diced ham or bacon for extra flavor, or try different spices and herbs to change up the flavor profile. We also love making it in big batches so we can enjoy leftovers all week long.

One thing I love about this recipe is how well it freezes – just portion out individual servings, label them with the date and what’s inside, and pop them into the freezer for future meals. No fuss at all!

Simple Buttered Lima Beans

4.9 from 1647 votes

A quick and easy side dish featuring tender lima beans simmered in a light buttery sauce. This recipe transforms frozen lima beans into a comforting and flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cups frozen baby lima beans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes until it sizzles.
2Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, about 1 minute.
5Add the frozen lima beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the broth.
6Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the beans simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until they are tender and heated through, stirring once halfway.
7Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
8Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beans look glossy.
9Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and black pepper until the butter is melted and evenly distributed.
10Taste the lima beans and adjust seasoning if needed.
11Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Watch Video Of How Simple Buttered Lima Beans Works

I just can’t rave enough about this easy lima bean recipe – it’s become a staple in our household over the years! Not only is it ridiculously simple to make, but it’s also super healthy and packed with nutrients.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – just portion out individual servings, label them with the date and what’s inside, and pop them into the freezer for future meals. No fuss at all!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want something special for your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buttered Lima Beans

What type of lima beans should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using either baby limas or frozen ones that have been thawed and drained well. Fresh limas can be too starchy for my taste, but feel free to experiment if you prefer them!

How do I cook lima beans from scratch?

Simply sauté the limas with some aromatics like onion and garlic until they’re tender – about 20-25 minutes should do the trick!

Can I use canned lima beans instead?

Sure thing! Just drain and rinse them well before adding them to your dish.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I still make this recipe?

No problem at all! You can simply cook the limas on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until they’re tender.

Are lima beans good for me? What about my kids?

Lima beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and several essential vitamins and minerals – making them an awesome addition to any meal!

Similar Posts