Jessie'S Lima Beans With Mushrooms And Celery
A hearty and creamy dish combining tender lima beans, savory mushrooms, and crunchy celery, enriched with butter and nutmeg—perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen lima beans according to package directions.
- Rinse the mushrooms quickly and gently pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut the mushroom stems even with the caps.
- Slice the mushrooms vertically.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream, salt, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Add the cooked lima beans and chopped celery to the skillet.
- Simmer until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh mushrooms instead of canned. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute olive oil for butter. You can also add diced carrots for extra color and sweetness. Ensure the roux does not brown too much to maintain a creamy texture. This dish can be adapted to be vegan by using plant-based butter and cream. Serve alongside Skillet Franks-N-Noodles for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Jessie's Lima Beans with Mushrooms and Celery pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a hearty salad. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a quinoa salad or fresh bread like Opal'S Rolls. This dish also makes a great side for holiday meals, complementing roasted meats or casseroles. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the beans' texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jessie'S Lima Beans With Mushrooms And Celery contains roughly 740 calories, with 17g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (225% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 942mg per serving (41% 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 lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but they will require longer cooking times to become tender. Shell the fresh beans and boil them until soft before adding them to the skillet with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the roux. You can also serve the dish with a hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to adjust the spice level to their liking. This can enhance the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream as substitutes for heavy cream. Both will provide a creamy texture while adding a unique flavor. For a lower-calorie option, use half-and-half or a plant-based milk thickened with a little cornstarch.
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).