Country Lima Beans
Country Lima Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring crispy bacon, tender lima beans, and a savory tomato and onion gravy, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces.
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
- Sprinkle with flour and stir to make a roux.
- Cut tomatoes into small pieces and add to the roux.
- Stir to combine.
- Add canned lima beans.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using turkey bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne for extra heat. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Country Lima Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. They also pair well with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. Consider serving with a fresh green salad for a balanced plate. This dish can be a comforting addition to any American recipes collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Country Lima Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the mixture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Lima Beans contains roughly 448 calories, with 14g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 dried lima beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Typically, dried beans should be soaked overnight and then boiled until tender before adding them to the recipe, which will enhance the flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a spicy kick. For a more subtle heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
What can I substitute for the tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce. For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the tomatoes. This will enhance the overall depth of the dish.
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).