Grandma'S Lima Beans
Creamy and hearty grandma's lima beans feature tender baby lima beans blended with butter, brown sugar, and spices for a comforting, sweet-savory side dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried lima beans overnight in water.
- Drain off the water the next day.
- Cover with fresh water and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Drain again.
- Rinse under hot water and place in a medium casserole dish.
- Add butter to the casserole.
- Mix remaining ingredients (brown sugar, dry mustard, molasses, sour cream) in a small bowl.
- Lightly mix the ingredients into the lima beans.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the lima beans overnight to ensure even cooking. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans; just reduce the baking time. Substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter version, or for a vegan option, use a plant-based margarine. Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference, and feel free to add spices like smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Lima Beans as a hearty side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside the Can'T Beat Me Coffee Cake(Heritage Recipe) for a comforting finish. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lima beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if they appear dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Lima Beans contains roughly 161 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of potassium (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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 frozen lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use frozen lima beans as a convenient alternative. Just skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time accordingly, as frozen beans typically cook faster. Adjust the salt and other ingredients to taste as needed.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can make your own sour cream by mixing equal parts of plain yogurt and milk until smooth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lima beans and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).