Grandma'S Baked Limas
Grandma's Baked Limas is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender lima beans, savory ham, and a sweet-spicy chili sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the lima beans with cold water.
- Place the beans in a kettle and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then add a pinch of baking soda.
- Parboil the beans until they are not white, about 10 minutes, being careful that the skins don't start coming off.
- Drain the beans.
- Put the beans in a roasting pan with ham, salt, pepper, quartered and sliced small onion, brown sugar, and water just to cover the beans.
- Bake at 325°F until the water cooks down a little.
- Add chili sauce and continue baking until the beans are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Grandma's Baked Limas, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic for an extra kick. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ham with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Always taste your beans before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Baked Limas alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with pork recipes, adding a hearty side to your dinner table. For a complete spread, consider serving them with Lucy's Magic Quiche for a delightful brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Baked Limas contains roughly 141 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value) and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g 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 frozen?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Parboil them for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe to ensure they cook evenly during baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the chili sauce. This will elevate the flavor profile and give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the original taste.
What can I serve with baked limas?
Grandma's Baked Limas go wonderfully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, try pairing them with a simple coleslaw and some crusty bread. They also complement dishes like Pan-Fried Black Bass for a delicious seafood experience.
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).