Fish Dinner Quickie
A quick and flavorful fish dinner with tender lima beans in a tomato and lemon sauce, perfect for a family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1/4 cup water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the frozen lima beans to the boiling water.
- After the water returns to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Separate the defrosted fish fillet and arrange it in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the fish with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, lemon juice, and thyme.
- Stir the condensed tomato soup into the hot lima beans, then pour this mixture over the fish.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the tomato soup and lima bean mixture. If you only have fresh lima beans, blanch them briefly before adding to the recipe. For a twist, try using different fish like salmon or tilapia, or substitute with canned tuna for a quicker option. Always taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Consider a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the fish and tomato soup. For a heartier option, try pairing with stuffed potatoes with crabmeat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, covered, to prevent drying out. If reheating in the oven, add a splash of water to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fish Dinner Quickie contains roughly 144 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 fish instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh fish fillets instead of frozen. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh fish may cook faster. Keep an eye on the dish while it bakes to prevent overcooking.
What if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have condensed tomato soup, you can substitute with a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a little sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, you can use homemade tomato sauce, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the casserole. Just sauté them slightly before combining with the beans and soup to ensure they cook through in the oven.
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).