Lima Beans In Cream Sauce
Creamy lima beans in rich butter and heavy cream, offering a comforting side dish with smooth textures and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add lima beans and heavy cream; stir often to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or shallots when melting the butter. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. To enhance the dish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can elevate the taste. Always remember to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent the cream from burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lima beans in cream sauce as a delightful side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They pair beautifully with dishes like Cabbage En Croute or Artichokes A La Roquefort. For a complete meal, consider serving over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lima beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid overheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Beans In Cream Sauce contains roughly 301 calories, with 4g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% 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 frozen lima beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen lima beans can be used in this recipe. Just thaw them before adding to the saucepan. They may require slightly less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to achieve the desired tenderness.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of lemon juice or zest can also brighten the dish. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute for the heavy cream.
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).