Candied Lima Beans
Transform your idea of comfort food with this unique recipe for Candied Lima Beans, a delightful twist on a classic ingredient. Tender lima beans are simmered and bathed in a luscious glaze of brown sugar, honey, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. A finishing touch of vanilla extract enhances the caramelized coating, while butter adds a rich, velvety texture to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is an irresistible side or snack that’s as satisfying as it is unexpected. Whether you serve it warm at the dinner table or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, these candied lima beans are sure to become a standout addition to your recipe repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
If using fresh lima beans, shell them and rinse thoroughly. If using frozen lima beans, thaw them slightly by rinsing under lukewarm water and draining well.
In a medium saucepan, bring the 1/2 cup of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the lima beans and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, honey, and spices (ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to bubble slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened lima beans to the skillet. Toss the beans gently to coat them evenly in the caramelized mixture.
Cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lima beans are tender and fully glazed. Avoid letting the sugary mixture burn—adjust heat as needed.
Stir in the vanilla extract in the last minute of cooking to enhance the flavor.
Remove from heat and allow the candied lima beans to cool slightly in the skillet. The glaze will thicken as the beans cool.
Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish or snack. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1091 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.8 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 688 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.7 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.5 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.9 g | ||
| Protein | 31.8 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 222 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1985 mg | 42% | |
*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.
