Spanish Cheese Limas
A vibrant Spanish-inspired cheese and lima bean dish featuring fresh vegetables, tender beans, and melted American cheese—perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal suited to all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lima beans in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced celery, chopped onion, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper; cook for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked lima beans to the skillet and mix well.
- Gradually add shredded American cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot as a savory side or main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream when mixing in the cheese. If fresh lima beans aren't available, frozen ones can be a great substitute; just adjust the cooking time as needed. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or cheddar, to give the dish a unique flavor. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Cheese Limas as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a light soup, such as a classic gazpacho. This dish is also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a comforting vegetarian option for guests. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be mindful not to overheat, as the cheese may become too oily.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Cheese Limas contains roughly 110 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2065mg per serving (90% 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 fresh?
Yes, you can use canned lima beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet in step 5. Since they are already cooked, reduce the cooking time to just a few minutes to heat them through and blend the flavors.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, options like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack can be excellent substitutes. Each cheese will lend its own flavor profile, so choose one that complements your taste or experiment to find your favorite combination.
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, Spanish Cheese Limas is a vegetarian dish, making it a great choice for those following a vegetarian diet. It is rich in protein from the lima beans and offers a deliciously cheesy flavor, making it satisfying and nutritious.
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).