Green Lima Bean Soup
A hearty green lima bean soup with ham, vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, ham bone, frozen or fresh limas, chopped onion, chopped carrots, diced potato, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours.
- Add sweet corn, salt, and pepper to taste, then cook until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced celery or bell peppers along with the other vegetables. If fresh lima beans are unavailable, frozen ones work perfectly. You can also substitute the ham bone with smoked turkey for a different flavor. Adjust the seasoning with herbs like thyme or bay leaf for added depth. This recipe is great for using leftover ham as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Green Lima Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal. A simple side salad can brighten up the dish. For a complete dinner, pair it with Escalloped Ham And Asparagus or a light dessert like fruit salad to balance the flavors. This soup is also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions for later use; just make sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Lima Bean Soup contains roughly 760 calories, with 13g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (230% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and potassium (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1294mg per serving (56% 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 dried lima beans instead of frozen or fresh?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but they will require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time. After soaking, add them to the pot with the water and ham bone, and adjust the cooking time to ensure they become tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to enhance the flavor without the meat. Season with smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the sweet corn, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the sweet corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it crisp and fresh.
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).