Barbecued Limas And Ham
A hearty and flavorful baked dish combining tender lima beans, savory ham, and a tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the lima beans with salt in boiling water for 1 minute.
- Lower heat and simmer for 1 hour until the beans are tender.
- Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Layer the cooked beans, cubed ham, and chopped onion in an ungreased casserole.
- In a bowl, stir together catsup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and the reserved bean liquid.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or smoked paprika to the mixture. If you don't have dry lima beans, you can substitute with canned beans; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. This dish pairs nicely with cornbread or coleslaw for a classic American meal. For a twist, try adding some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Barbecued Limas and Ham warm from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside cornbread or rice. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just ensure it is completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Limas And Ham contains roughly 192 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1179mg per serving (51% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What if I don't have ham on hand?
You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you could omit the meat entirely or use a plant-based sausage to maintain the savory taste.
How do I know when the lima beans are done?
The lima beans should be tender but not mushy. After simmering for an hour, you can taste a few beans to check for doneness. They should have a creamy texture. If they are still firm, continue simmering in 10-minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness.
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).