Maple-Baked Limas
Maple-Baked Limas offer a hearty, sweet-savory flavor combination with tender beans, smoky bacon, and rich maple syrup, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak the lima beans in water overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and combine with 8 cups of water in a large baking dish.
- Add chopped onion, diced bacon, maple syrup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and bay leaf to the beans.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for at least 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the bacon with diced ham or smoked sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use olive oil instead of bacon and add some smoked paprika for depth. Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking, but if you're short on time, a quick soak method in boiling water for an hour works too. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Maple-Baked Limas as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They pair beautifully with Sliced Ham With Pineapple for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with cornbread or a fresh salad. This dish also makes a great addition to a potluck or family gathering, offering a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. The flavors will meld even more after a day, making leftovers a delicious option. You can also freeze the baked limas for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple-Baked Limas contains roughly 332 calories, with 11g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (295% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1602mg per serving (70% 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 canned lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans for a quicker option. Reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes since the beans are already cooked. Just combine them with the other ingredients and heat through until everything is blended and warmed. Adjust seasoning as needed since canned beans can be saltier.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don't have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can work as alternatives, but they will alter the flavor slightly. For a more robust taste, try using brown sugar mixed with a little water to create a syrupy consistency. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust to your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Maple-Baked Limas vegetarian, omit the bacon and replace it with diced mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar umami flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional spices, such as liquid smoke or smoked paprika, to give it that satisfying depth without the meat.
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).