Southern Lima Butter Beans with Ham Bits
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Lima Butter Beans with Ham Bits recipe. Featuring tender, creamy lima beans simmered to perfection in a rich chicken broth, this dish is elevated by smoky diced ham, sautéed onions, and a touch of smoked paprika for a flavor-packed experience. Enhanced with the subtle warmth of garlic and a fragrant bay leaf, this slow-cooked classic is both wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for a down-home family dinner or served as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with cornbread or steamed rice. Simple to prepare yet full of depth, this Southern staple will bring cozy, comforting vibes to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried large lima beans (butter beans)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- kosher salt (optional, to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the dried lima beans thoroughly and pick out any debris. Place them in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and soak overnight (or at least 8 hours). Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the diced ham and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the smoked paprika, black pepper, and the bay leaf.
Add the drained lima beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, making sure the beans aren’t sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Taste and add kosher salt, if needed. (The ham and chicken broth may already provide enough saltiness.)
Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot alongside cornbread or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1907 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.3 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.2 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 152 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 5752 mg | 250% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.8 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 79.6 g | 284% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.2 g | ||
| Protein | 132.4 g | 265% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 520 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 37.0 mg | 206% | |
| Potassium | 8902 mg | 189% | |
*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.
