Savory Dried Lima Beans
A hearty savory dish featuring dried lima beans, bacon, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the dried lima beans.
- Cover the beans with cold water and let stand overnight or for a few hours.
- Drain the beans and place into a large pan.
- Add 3 cups of water, canned tomatoes, diced green pepper, grated onion, and syrup.
- Mix paprika, salt, and dry mustard; stir into the mixture.
- Cook until the beans are almost tender.
- Render the bacon and add it to the beans, cooking until the beans are fully done.
- Add more water as needed during cooking.
- Optional: Bake the mixture in the oven for additional flavor and tenderness.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. If you don’t have dried lima beans, you can substitute with canned beans, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For added depth, try incorporating a bay leaf while cooking. This dish can also be made with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the savory dried lima beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They pair wonderfully with cornbread, making for a comforting meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving with Pork Tenderloin With Brandy or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Dried Lima Beans contains roughly 207 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% 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 frozen lima beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use frozen lima beans. Just skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time accordingly. Add them to the pot when you would normally add the dried beans, cooking until they are tender.
What can I do if the beans are still hard after cooking?
If the beans remain hard, continue cooking them with additional water over low heat. It’s important to ensure they remain submerged. If they still don’t soften, they may need more time or could be old beans that have lost their quality.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste traditionally provided by bacon.
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).