Butter Beans In Savory Sauce
Creamy butter beans in a savory mustard and lemon sauce with pimiento, perfect as a comforting vegetarian main or side dish full of flavor and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lima beans, water, and 1 teaspoon salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook until tender.
- Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid.
- Add enough water to the reserved liquid to measure 1 cup; set aside.
- Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan.
- Blend in flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in prepared mustard, bean liquid, and milk.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add fresh lemon juice and diced pimiento to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beans and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or onion to the butter before blending in the flour. If you don't have pimiento, roasted red peppers or chopped olives can work well as a substitute. For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. This dish can also be made with other legumes, but keep cooking times in mind for different beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the butter beans over a bed of rice or alongside cornbread for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving them with a fresh salad or alongside dishes like Diabetic Cream Puff Dessert for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving as it can make the beans mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Beans In Savory Sauce contains roughly 236 calories, with 9g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1046mg per serving (45% 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. Simply rinse and drain them before adding to the sauce in step 9. Since they are already cooked, you will only need to heat them through.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil to make this dish dairy-free. Just use the same amount as specified in the recipe for a similar texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
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).