Lima Beans In Tomato And Garlic Sauce
A hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender lima beans in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, perfect for comforting meals and those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large dried lima beans ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 5 to 6 cloves garlic, crushed or minced ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. crushed rosemary ⓘ
- 2 c. thick tomato puree ⓘ
- 3 peeled tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- fresh ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Put the lima beans in a large pot with about 2 quarts of water and some salt.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beans until they are tender, but not mushy.
- Drain the beans and save the broth for use in soups or other dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped carrots and celery when sautéing the onions and garlic. If you're short on time, canned lima beans can be used; just reduce the cooking time significantly. Substitute the crushed rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different herbaceous note. A splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the dish's depth as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lima beans over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad like Taboulah or Spicy Garden Salad, offering a nice contrast to the rich tomato and garlic flavors. For added protein, consider serving with grilled chicken or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they seem dry. Avoid boiling to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Beans In Tomato And Garlic Sauce contains roughly 793 calories, with 21g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2358mg per serving (103% 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 fresh lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, fresh lima beans can be used, but cooking times will vary. Boil them for about 20-30 minutes until tender, then follow the remaining recipe steps as usual. This will enhance the freshness of the dish.
What can I substitute for the dry red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with vegetable broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar. This will provide some acidity and depth without the alcohol, making it suitable for all diners.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and onions. Adjust the amount to your heat preference, and consider serving with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
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).