Barbecued Limas
Barbecued Limas are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender lima beans simmered in a sweet and savory sauce with bacon, onion, green pepper, and Worcestershire. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, this dish offers a smoky, tangy taste with a comforting texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped garlic to the bacon drippings and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the cans of lima beans and add them to the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or turkey bacon for a lighter version. You can substitute the lima beans with navy beans or black-eyed peas if desired. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar slightly. Make sure to chop the vegetables finely to ensure even cooking and to enhance the overall texture of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, such as a Broccoli-Pecan Salad or a light coleslaw. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side to a barbecue spread. For a complete meal, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Limas contains roughly 372 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen lima beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen lima beans. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the sauce. They may require a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they don't become too soft.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon and enhance the dish without meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick, depending on your spice preference.
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).