Lima Beans With Ham Bone
A hearty, comforting dish of tender lima beans cooked with ham bone and diced onions, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering smoky and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash lima beans thoroughly; discard discolored, spoiled beans.
- Add beans to water along with the ham bone and bring to a boil.
- Cook, adding water as necessary, until beans are completely soft.
- Cook down the mixture to a thick, soupy consistency.
- Cut chunks of ham from the bone and add to the beans to cook through.
- Garnish with diced raw onions, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing diced onions and garlic before adding them to the pot. If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham bone with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. Soaking the lima beans overnight can reduce cooking time and help them cook evenly. If you have leftover ham, it can be used to enhance dishes like Cheesy Ham Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lima beans with ham bone alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh diced raw onions for a nice crunch and added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Fried Turnips or a light Bean And Cabbage Salad for a balanced plate. Consider a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture and warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the beans. You can also freeze the dish for up to three months for a quick meal later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima Beans With Ham Bone contains roughly 908 calories, with 16g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% 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 beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans for this recipe. Simply soak them overnight to soften, then adjust the cooking time accordingly. Dried beans may require longer to reach the desired tenderness compared to fresh beans.
What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
If your beans are still hard after cooking, continue to simmer them with additional water until they soften. It's important to keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to avoid breaking the beans apart.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as thyme, bay leaves, or even a touch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. You can also stir in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added depth and nutrition.
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).