Butter Beans
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Butter Beans recipe, a Southern classic that brings rich, savory flavor to your table. Made with tender baby lima beans simmered to perfection in a robust blend of chicken or vegetable broth, smoked ham hock or bacon, and aromatic garlic and onion, this dish is elevated with a touch of butter for creaminess and optional paprika for an extra layer of warmth. Whether you're soaking the beans overnight or opting for a quick-soak method, the result is a pot of velvety, soulful beans that are perfect as a standalone dish or a flavorful side. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside cornbread or roasted meats for a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. This recipe is not just about taste—it’s an experience that highlights the best of slow-simmered, home-cooked goodness. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it's a dish that's both timeless and irresistibly delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried butter beans (baby lima beans)
- 6 cups water
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 piece smoked ham hock or diced smoked bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Sort through the dried butter beans to remove any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them well under cold water.
Place the butter beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight, or use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained butter beans with 6 cups of water and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well.
Add the smoked ham hock or diced smoked bacon to the pot along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and paprika (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot with a lid. Simmer the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if needed during cooking to keep the beans covered.
When the beans are tender and creamy, stir in the butter, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the ham hock (if using). If desired, shred the meat from the ham hock and stir it back into the beans for extra flavor.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Butter beans pair beautifully with cornbread or as a side for roasted meats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.4 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.1 g | 140% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 152 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 7000 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 272.2 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 79.6 g | 284% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.9 g | ||
| Protein | 114.4 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 531 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 33.2 mg | 184% | |
| Potassium | 7612 mg | 162% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
