How Long Does It Take to Cook Large Lima Beans?

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a highly nutritious legume that can be a tasty addition to many dishes. Their large size and creamy texture when cooked make them perfect for soups, stews, salads and more. However, many home cooks are unsure exactly how long to cook these hearty beans to get them perfectly tender. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the ideal cooking times for large lima beans.

An Overview of Cooking Times

The exact cooking time for large lima beans can vary based on a few factors:

• Bean size – The larger the bean the longer the cooking time. Jumbo limas take longer than standard large limas.

• Soaking – Soaked beans cook faster than unsoaked Pre-soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time.

• Water temperature – Beans cook faster in boiling water than simmering water

• Altitude – Beans cook slower at higher altitudes due to lower boiling points.

• Age of beans – Older, dried beans take longer than fresher beans.

• Cooking method – Stovetop, pressure cooking, slow cooking times vary.

However, as a general guideline, soaked large lima beans take 1-2 hours to cook, while unsoaked beans can take 2-3 hours on the stovetop.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect cooked lima beans:

1. Soak the Beans (Optional)

Soaking is optional but reduces cooking time. Place beans in water and soak 8-12 hours or quick soak by bringing to a boil then letting sit 1 hour.

2. Drain and Rinse

Drain soaking liquid and rinse beans. Pick out any debris.

3. Add Beans to Pot, Cover with Water

Place beans in a pot and add enough fresh water to cover by 2-3 inches.

4. Bring to a Boil

Heat on high until the water reaches a rapid boil.

5. Reduce Heat and Simmer

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer gently.

6. Start Checking After 1 Hour

After simmering for an hour, begin checking a few beans for doneness every 15 minutes.

7. Cook Until Tender

Cook until the beans are completely tender when squeezed, about 1-3 hours. Add water if needed.

8. Season and Serve

Once tender, season as desired and serve immediately.

How to Tell When They’re Done

Checking for doneness is important to avoid undercooked or mushy beans. Here are some ways to test:

• Squeeze – Squeeze a bean gently between fingers. It should be completely soft and tender.

• Interior – Check the interior. It should be creamy, not firm or chalky.

• Mash – Mash a bean against the roof of your mouth. It should smooth easily.

• Taste – Taste a bean. It should be tender, not crunchy or grainy.

The beans are ready when totally soft and creamy inside and out.

Factors that Increase or Reduce Cook Time

Certain techniques and ingredients can reduce or increase cook times:

To Reduce Time:

• Soak beans 8-12 hours before cooking

• Quick soak beans by boiling then letting sit 1 hour

• Use small, young, fresh beans rather than old, large beans

• Start with boiling water rather than cold water

• Use a pressure cooker and follow manufacturer’s directions

To Increase Time:

• Omit pre-soaking the beans

• Cook beans at high altitudes over 3000 feet

• Use old or improperly stored dried beans

• Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes early in cooking

• Use hard water rather than soft or distilled water

Cooking Beans in a Slow Cooker

Cooking lima beans in a slow cooker couldn’t be easier:

• Soak beans first for faster cooking

• Place soaked beans in slow cooker and cover with water

• Cook on low setting for 7-9 hours

• Check beans halfway through cooking and periodically until tender

• Add more water if needed and season at the end

Slow cooking makes beans tender without needing to monitor as closely. Just be sure to soak them first and cook sufficiently long.

Tips to Avoid Over or Undercooking

To cook beans perfectly:

• Check often toward the end rather than assuming times

• To avoid undercooking, simmer longer if beans aren’t completely tender

• Prevent overcooking by stopping the cooking process once beans reach the desired tenderness

• Check a few beans each time rather than just one or two for accuracy

• Add more cooking liquid if needed to keep beans submerged

• Err on the side of overcooking slightly to avoid crunchy beans

With a little trial and error, you’ll become adept at nailing the ideal cook times.