Mother'S Best Lima Beans
Creamy and comforting, this mother’s best lima beans dish combines tender beans with sautéed vegetables and rich cream for a hearty, flavorful meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the baby lima beans according to package directions; reserve the cooking liquid and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté finely chopped celery, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
- Add flour and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired; cook, stirring, until well combined.
- Pour in the cream, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened.
- Fold in the cooked lima beans, adding some reserved liquid if the mixture is too dry.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating some garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauté. If you can't find baby lima beans, you can substitute with regular lima beans or even cannellini beans for a different taste. Keep an eye on the consistency as you fold in the beans and add reserved liquid as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a comforting side to grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Melting Moments for a sweet finish or can be a centerpiece in a vegetarian feast. You might also enjoy it with some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beans mushy. If freezing, keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Best Lima Beans contains roughly 573 calories, with 11g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% 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 lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans. Soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before following the rest of the recipe. This will add a more robust flavor to your dish.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a healthier option?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a lighter version. This will still provide a rich flavor while reducing saturated fat.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
To make this dish vegan, substitute butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative, and replace the lima beans with a variety of legumes that fit your dietary needs, ensuring it remains delicious.
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).