Christmas Limas
A comforting side dish of tender lima beans with pimentos, butter, and seasonings, baked to perfection—ideal for holiday dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the lima beans until they can be broken apart.
- Place the lima beans in a greased casserole dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped pimento and dot with butter.
- Pour water over the ingredients.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 425°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before baking. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes can serve as great substitutes. Make sure to grease your casserole dish well to prevent sticking. It's also helpful to taste and adjust the seasoning before baking to ensure your flavors are balanced.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Limas make a wonderful side dish for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. Consider serving them alongside Dilly Casserole Onion Bread for a comforting, festive spread. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before serving to brighten the dish and enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Christmas Limas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Limas contains roughly 194 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1164mg 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 use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but you will need to blanch them first to ensure they cook evenly and soften. Fresh beans typically require a shorter cooking time, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
Adding garlic or onion can enhance the flavor profile significantly. You might also consider incorporating spices like cumin or a hint of cayenne for a bit of heat. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving can also add a delicious savory note.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat products. Ensure that any additional ingredients or seasonings you add are also vegetarian-friendly. It's a great option for holiday gatherings that include vegetarian recipes.
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).