Vermont Lima Bean Casserole
A hearty Vermont lima bean casserole with sweet maple syrup, smoky salt pork, and a tangy kick from Tabasco, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse lima beans and place them in a large saucepan.
- Add water, cover, and soak the beans for several hours or overnight.
- When ready to cook, add the onion with cloves into the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beans and onion to a 3-quart casserole dish without draining.
- Add the remaining ingredients: maple syrup, ketchup, salt, bay leaf, salt pork slices, and Tabasco sauce.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 3 hours until beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use canned lima beans if you're short on time; just reduce the cooking time in the oven. Consider adding some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the salt pork with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely, adjusting the salt to taste. This dish pairs well with cornbread, making it a hearty addition to any American recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vermont Lima Bean Casserole as a comforting main dish alongside a simple green salad or coleslaw. It also pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a side of baked sweet potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermont Lima Bean Casserole contains roughly 323 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1972mg per serving (86% 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. Frozen beans typically only need about 1-1.5 hours of baking at 350°F. Adjust the seasoning as needed, as frozen beans may have added salt.
Is it necessary to use salt pork?
While salt pork adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole, you can substitute it with other ingredients like smoked turkey or bacon for a similar taste. For a vegetarian option, consider using smoked tempeh or simply omit it, adjusting the salt in the recipe to maintain flavor.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender and creamy, which usually takes about 3 hours of baking. Check them occasionally during the last hour of cooking; you should be able to easily mash a bean with a fork. If they need more time, continue baking until they reach your desired tenderness.
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).