Lima Bean Special
A vibrant and hearty dish featuring tender lima beans, savory ham, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick side or light main course with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lima beans as directed; drain well.
- In a skillet, in olive oil, over medium heat, sauté onion, celery, and garlic 5 minutes to soften.
- Add lima beans, ham, parsley, sage, salt, pepper, and white wine vinegar.
- Cook 2 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or some crumbled feta cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for depth of flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or dill to give it a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lima Bean Special as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Breaded Dijon Pork Chops or can be enjoyed as a light main course. For a complete meal, consider a simple green salad like Country Salad to accompany it.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking. This dish can also be served cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Bean Special contains roughly 236 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1771mg per serving (77% 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?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before following the rest of the recipe. This will require additional cooking time, so plan accordingly.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don't have white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute. Both will add a nice acidity to balance the flavors in the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and can be made ahead of time. Just store it in portion-sized containers for easy access throughout the week.
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).