Lima Bean Bake
A hearty baked lima bean dish with salt pork, onions, and ginger, offering rich flavors and tender beans. Perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the lima beans and drain.
- Put the beans in a pot, cover with water, and add ground ginger.
- Cook slowly until the beans are soft when pierced with a fork, adding more water if necessary.
- Dice the salt pork into small squares and sauté until lightly browned.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Add a small amount of bean water and the sugar, then bring to a boil.
- Combine all ingredients into a casserole dish and stir to distribute the salt pork and onion.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 1 1/2 hours or until lightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the lima beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture. If salt pork isn't available, you can substitute with diced bacon or ham for a similar smoky taste. Adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness, as some may prefer less. Adding a pinch of cayenne can enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Lima Bean Bake pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a wholesome meal. It's also delightful alongside grilled meats or BBQ dishes, making it a versatile side. For a heartier option, serve it as a main dish topped with freshly chopped herbs or alongside a recipe like Beans And Burgers for a filling combo.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cool the Lima Bean Bake completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Bean Bake contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g 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 canned lima beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for a quicker option. Rinse and drain them, then add them to the sautéed salt pork and onion mixture. Reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes, just enough to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld.
What if I don't have salt pork?
If you don't have salt pork, you can substitute it with diced bacon, smoked sausage, or even a vegetarian option like smoked tofu. Each will impart a different flavor but still provide that essential smoky richness to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. Additionally, sauté vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for added depth.
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).