Easy Lima Beans
Discover the comforting simplicity of "Easy Lima Beans," a hearty dish that's as wholesome as it is flavorful. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep, this recipe turns humble dried lima beans into a creamy, savory masterpiece, enhanced by aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich vegetable broth. With just a handful of pantry staples like a bay leaf, olive oil, and a sprinkle of herbs, this one-pot wonder is both budget-friendly and satisfying. Serve it as a nourishing side dish or a standalone meal paired with crusty bread. Ready in under 90 minutes (including hands-off cooking time), this easy lima beans recipe is a healthy, plant-based option that’s packed with protein and fiber while being gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for cozy nights in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lima beans
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse and sort the dried lima beans to remove any debris or broken beans.
Soak the lima beans in 4 cups of water overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the drained lima beans, vegetable broth, and 2 cups of water to the pot.
Toss in the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 60-70 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check for doneness around the 60-minute mark. The beans should be tender and creamy. If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time.
Once tender, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Ladle the lima beans into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main meal with crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.6 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3551 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 170.2 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.3 g | 165% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g | ||
| Protein | 53.3 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 336 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 4512 mg | 96% | |
*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.
