Martha Pafford'S Dry Lima Beans
Creamy, hearty dry lima beans cooked with ham hock and bacon drippings, offering rich flavors perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash dry lima beans.
- Cook beans in a 2-quart boiler over medium heat for 1 1/2 hours, adding water as needed.
- Add ham hock or ham bone along with salt and 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings, then cook for an additional hour, adding water as needed.
- Ensure beans are tender and the juice has thickened.
- Serve with salmon patties and sliced onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, soak the dry lima beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance tenderness. If you don’t have bacon drippings, use olive oil or butter as a substitute. To add more depth, consider including spices like smoked paprika or thyme. You can also replace the ham hock with a smoked turkey leg for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lima beans alongside salmon patties and sliced onion for a delightful meal. They also pair wonderfully with a side of Old World Sauerkraut for added tanginess. For a more filling dish, consider serving with rice or cornbread. A simple garden salad would complement this hearty dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. These beans also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Pafford'S Dry Lima Beans contains roughly 78 calories, with 4g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% 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 dry?
While you can use canned lima beans for convenience, they won't have the same texture or flavor as dried. If using canned, skip the initial cooking step and simply heat them with the ham hock and seasonings for about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender and creamy inside. You can test them by tasting a bean after the cooking time. If they are still firm, continue cooking and check every 10 minutes, adding more water as necessary.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile. Incorporating vegetables like carrots and celery can enhance the dish even further.
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).