Lancaster County Lima Beans

Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Creamy Lancaster County Lima Beans with potatoes offer a hearty, budget-friendly comfort dish perfect for family meals and those craving simple Southern flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lima beans
  • 4 to 5 potatoes, diced
  • 2 c. milk
  • 3 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

  1. Boil the lima beans until nearly soft.
  2. Add the diced potatoes and continue cooking until both are tender.
  3. Drain the beans and potatoes.
  4. Add milk and butter to the drained mixture.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot as a comforting, economical dish.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider mashing a portion of the beans and potatoes after draining. If you want to enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or onion during the cooking process. If you can't find lima beans, butter beans can be a suitable substitute. This dish can also be made vegan by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot as a comforting main dish or a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside grilled meats or a robust vegetarian option like Stuffed Franks. This dish is also delightful with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in shorter intervals, adding a splash of milk if it appears too thick. Always check for seasoning before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lancaster County Lima Beans contains roughly 583 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is a good source of potassium (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

583 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 48.4g 62% DV
Carbs 32.8g 12% DV
Fiber 3.5g 13% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 16.3mg 1% DV
Potassium 763.8mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 120.2mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.2mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 32.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Milk

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, frozen lima beans can be used and will save time. Simply skip the boiling step and add them directly to the pot when adding the potatoes. Adjust the cooking time as needed until everything is tender.

What can I do if I don't have milk?

If you don't have milk on hand, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile, or use any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a vegan option. This will still keep the dish creamy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch ahead of time, and it reheats well. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat gently to maintain the texture.

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).

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