Pork And Lima Beans
Hearty pork and lima beans dish with smoky bacon, rich molasses, and flavorful pork bones, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the lima beans overnight in cold water, then rinse thoroughly.
- In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover with 6 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the beans from heat and let soak for 1 hour.
- In the meantime, cook the bacon slices until crispy and set aside.
- In a large stockpot, add the pork neck bones and the soaked beans. Pour in the beer or apple juice, add the molasses and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, soak the lima beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you don't have beer, apple juice is a great substitute that adds sweetness. Consider adding some chopped onions or garlic for additional depth. You can also throw in some diced carrots or celery if you want to incorporate more vegetables into this hearty dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork and lima beans with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Michigan Hot Dog Sauce for a unique twist on your meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork And Lima Beans contains roughly 385 calories, with 4g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (35% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1183mg per serving (51% 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?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. If using canned, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes, just enough to heat through and meld the flavors.
What other meats can I use in this recipe?
Besides pork neck bones, you can try using ham hocks or even smoked sausage for added flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose, ensuring it's cooked through and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, follow the initial steps to soak the beans and cook the bacon. Then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
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).