Baked Baby Lima Beans
Creamy baked baby lima beans with a sweet and tangy flavor profile, perfect as a comforting side dish or vegetarian main for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried baby lima beans overnight, then drain and cover with fresh water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and cook until tender.
- Drain and rinse the cooked beans under running hot water.
- Put the beans into a casserole dish and dab on oleo (margarine or butter).
- Mix together the remaining salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, and molasses.
- Add this mixture to the beans and mix well.
- Stir in the sour cream lightly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half sour cream and half Greek yogurt. If you want a touch of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Ensure that the beans are fully cooked before combining them with other ingredients to achieve the best flavor and consistency. Remember to soak the beans overnight for optimal tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
These baked baby lima beans make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They pair beautifully with Asheville Salad for a complete meal. For added texture, serve them alongside cornbread or over rice. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Baby Lima Beans contains roughly 253 calories, with 1g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of potassium (16% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1793mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. Rinse and drain them, and then skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Just mix them with the other ingredients and bake until heated through.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the oleo with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. You may also replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
What can I do if the beans are still hard after cooking?
If the beans are still hard after cooking, they may not have soaked long enough or may require additional cooking time. Return them to the pot with fresh water and simmer until they reach the desired tenderness before proceeding with the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).