Southern Lima Beans Bacon
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Lima Beans with Bacon recipe. Packed with tender, creamy lima beans simmered to perfection in a rich broth infused with smoky bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is a true Southern classic. The combination of crispy bacon crumbles and a buttery, savory broth creates a mouthwatering balance of textures and flavors that's perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone meal. Whether you're serving up this soul-warming gem for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers big on flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried large lima beans
- 6 cups water
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dried lima beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by boiling the beans in water for 2 minutes, then removing them from heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans under cold water again, then set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to cool. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon drippings until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the drained lima beans.
Add the butter, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the pot.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the beans gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lima beans are tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more water or chicken broth if needed to keep the beans slightly submerged.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Serve the Southern Lima Beans with Bacon warm as a side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 113 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 5582 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 233 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1327 mg | 28% | |
*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.
