Lima Bean Delight

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Lima Bean Delight offers a creamy, hearty dish with tender lima beans, flavorful vegetables, and a touch of evaporated milk. Perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings, its savory taste and smooth texture make it a satisfying vegetarian option that highlights simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dried lima beans
  • 1 1/2 quarts water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 sliced onion
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Cook all ingredients except the evaporated milk until the beans are tender.
  2. Add the evaporated milk; heat through but do not boil the milk.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until heated thoroughly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If fresh vegetables are available, they can enhance the dish's flavor; try adding garlic or bell peppers. Soaking the lima beans overnight can reduce cooking time. If you prefer a heartier dish, add cooked ham or bacon for extra flavor, which is common in many American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lima Bean Delight warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your table.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; cover them to retain moisture and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lima Bean Delight contains roughly 402 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2100mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

402 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 10.1g 13% DV
Carbs 74.2g 27% DV
Fiber 11.2g 40% DV
Sugar 29.7g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2099.6mg 91% DV
Potassium 865.8mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 2.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 815.6mcg 91% DV
Vitamin C 17.2mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 368mg 28% DV
Iron 10.8mg 60% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
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 canned lima beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. Rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot. Reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked; just heat through with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. However, keep in mind that using regular milk may require a slight increase in cooking time to achieve the desired creaminess.

Is it possible to freeze Lima Bean Delight?

Yes, you can freeze Lima Bean Delight. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

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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