Quick Lima Beans Over Rice
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender ham hock and creamy lima beans served over fluffy rice. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering smoky and savory flavors with a satisfying texture. Ideal for those craving a filling, rustic home-cooked dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil ham hock until tender.
- Add lima beans to the ham hock and bring to a boil.
- Remove ham hock and allow to cool.
- Boil rice separately until cooked.
- Place cooked rice in a dish.
- Cover the rice with the cooked beans and ham hock.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, consider using canned lima beans instead of dried ones. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ham hock with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. You can also add garlic and onion while boiling the beans for extra depth. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Gala Green Beans for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lima beans over rice as a hearty main dish, and consider adding a fresh salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices. For an added touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Avoid refreezing after reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Lima Beans Over Rice contains roughly 6 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 frozen lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, frozen lima beans can be a great time-saver. Just add them to the pot with the ham hock during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to heat through. This will save you the time of soaking and boiling dried beans.
What can I substitute for ham hock?
If you want to keep the dish vegetarian, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use diced bacon or smoked sausage if you still want some meat in the dish.
How do I know when the lima beans are done?
Lima beans are done cooking when they are tender but not mushy. If using dried beans, they typically take about 45 minutes to an hour to become tender. Check them periodically and taste for doneness.
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).