Lets talk about lima beans. The first time I tried them, I was about 12 years old and at a friend’s house. I didn’t like them at all. They were boring and bland. So one day, when my mom randomly made them, I was quite hesitant to eat it. But, I succumbed to the pressure and tried these beans once again. I was pleasantly surprised. Lima beans can actually be tasty and full of flavour!.
Dried baby lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a versatile legume that can be used in a variety of dishes When cooked properly, these small white beans become tender and creamy, making a delicious addition to soups, stews, salads, and more Though lima beans are available fresh or frozen, the dried version offers superior flavor and texture when prepared correctly.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to cook dried baby lima beans perfectly every time. We’ll cover how to prepare and soak the beans, what liquid to cook them in, seasoning suggestions, cook times for stovetop and slow cooker methods, how to tell when they’re done, and even how to store any leftovers. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy this pantry staple to its full potential.
Selecting and Preparing Dried Baby Lima Beans
When buying dried lima beans, look for packages without signs of moisture or grit The beans should be uniform in size and color Baby limas are smaller and paler than their larger counterparts. Inspect the beans and discard any that are discolored or shriveled.
Before cooking, the beans need to be rinsed Place them in a colander and rinse under cool running water, picking out any debris Drain well. There’s no need to soak baby limas overnight since their small size allows them to rehydrate quickly during cooking. However, for larger lima beans, an overnight soak in cold water can help reduce cooking time.
Choosing Your Cooking Liquid
The liquid used to cook dried beans impacts their flavor. Water is fine, but chicken or vegetable broth will add savory depth. For a smoky flavor, try ham or bacon stock. One method is cooking the beans in water with a smoked ham hock or turkey wing and then removing the meat before serving.
Don’t add salt before or during cooking, as it can prevent beans from becoming tender. Instead, season to taste after they’ve softened. Acidic liquids like tomato juice or wine can also keep beans from properly softening, so avoid using them.
Stovetop Cooking Instructions
Now let’s get to cooking these beans on the stovetop! Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 pound dried baby lima beans
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or 2 slices bacon (optional)
- 1 yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Rinse the beans, then place them in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the broth and any smoked meat or bacon. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
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After 45 minutes, stir in the onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Replace cover and continue simmering until beans are tender, about 30-60 minutes more. stirring occasionally.
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Remove smoked meat if using. Season beans with salt and pepper to taste.
The beans are finished cooking when they can be easily mashed between two fingers or against the roof of your mouth. Total stovetop cooking time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Cooking beans in a slow cooker couldn’t be easier! Follow this simple method:
- 1 pound dried baby lima beans
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 smoked ham hock or 2 slices bacon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Rinse the beans then place into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except salt and pepper.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
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Remove smoked meat if using. Taste beans and season with salt and pepper as desired.
The extended cook time and gentle heat of the slow cooker results in extra creamy beans. Stir occasionally if possible to distribute flavor.
Determining Doneness
With both stovetop and slow cooker methods, taste testing is the best way to know when the beans are fully cooked. Scoop out a bean and taste it. When done, the bean should be softened throughout but still intact, with a creamy texture. If the bean is at all hard or tough, continue cooking for 10-30 minutes more and test again.
Press a bean gently against the roof of your mouth using your tongue. The bean should easily smash smooth. Peek at the inside of a bean – it should no longer have a white color in the center. These are all signs your lima beans are perfectly cooked.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Once cooked, dried baby lima beans will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container. The beans also freeze well for longer term storage. Portion beans with broth into freezer bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. They will keep for up to 6 months frozen.
To reheat leftover beans, place desired portion in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Add more cooking liquid as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Flavorful Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered cooking dried baby lima beans, it’s time to put them to use! Beyond side dishes, these tender beans shine in hearty main dishes and salads.
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For a classic Southern-style butter bean stew, sauté onion, celery and carrots in bacon drippings. Stir in cooked beans and ham with broth. Season with smoked paprika and simmer.
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Toss beans warm or cold into fresh green salads. Their creamy texture balances crisp greens and vegetables.
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For an Italian white bean soup, add cooked beans to sautéed onion, garlic and pancetta in broth. Finish with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
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Mash beans with olive oil, fresh herbs and garlic for a fiber-rich spread for crusty bread.
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For a protein-packed vegetarian main, top cooked beans with sautéed peppers and onions, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
The possibilities are endless with these creamy and versatile beans. Follow this guide for perfectly cooked dried baby lima beans every time. Then get creative incorporating them into all your favorite recipes. Enjoy these nutritious beans all year long.
Health Benefits of Lima Beans
Let me tell you something: if you don’t normally eat these beans or have never tried them, you should! Lima beans are full of protein and many vitamins and minerals. They are particularly a good source of copper, manganese, folate, iron and cholesterol-lowering fiber.
They also provide numerous health benefits including:
- promoting heart health,
- producing energy, and
- stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Plus, they are readily available in your local grocery store. So no excuses! You can find them dried, canned or frozen. I have only ever tried making dried lima beans, so that’s what this recipe calls for.
How to Cook Lima Beans
So what is the secret to make them tasty? There really is no secret at all. Theres no complicated way to cook them, nor is there a rare, secret ingredient. These beans can be made with just a few simple ingredients: garlic, onions, turmeric, salt, pepper, and an Italian seasoning blend made up of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Yup, that is ALL!.
The important thing is to leave the saucepan off the heat for at least 20 minutes with the lid still on after everything is cooked. This is very important because it lets the flavors of the different ingredients really settle into the sauce, giving it the richness and creaminess that you can taste in this dish. Thats right, the creamy texture comes from the beans, not from any dairy. This dish is completely 100% vegan!.
You can even create a more substantive dish by adding other hearty vegetables. Both carrots and potatoes taste incredible in this dish, hence why I added the carrots (which are optional). Adding corn or sweet potatoes will also result in a great stew. Experiment a little and see what works for you! .
Serve hot or, once ready to serve, simply reheat the beans on the stove. Give them a taste and add more salt, pepper or italian seasoning as required. I love to keep this meal gluten-free and vegan by serving over a warm plate of Basmati rice. You can also serve this with a dinner roll or homemade biscuit if you are not on a strict diet.
How To Cook Country-Style Dry Baby Lima Beans
FAQ
Should dried lima beans be soaked before cooking?
What is the best way to cook dried beans?
How to cook dry lima beans without soaking?
What is the difference between baby lima beans and butter beans?
How do you cook dried baby lima beans?
If you’re looking to cook dried baby lima beans, soak them overnight in water that covers them completely. Rinse the beans clean under cold running water, then put them in a pot with onion halves, celery stalks, bay leaves, garlic cloves and salt. Cover with four cups of water and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
What is substitute for lima beans?
Fava beans and kidney beans are worthy substitutes for lima beans. Fava beans can be eaten raw, which makes them a unique substitute, and the flavor is relatively close to that of lima beans. Nutritionally, fava beans also match up pretty closely to lima beans, but not as closely as red kidney beans. Although they don’t taste like lima beans, red kidney beans can serve as a substitute for lima beans in most recipes. Kidney beans are rich in, and contain similar amounts of; fiber, protein, iron, folate, potassium, vitamin B6, and contain many more nutrients. Aim for consuming at least one cup of a variety of beans daily for optimal health.
Are dried baby lima beans healthy?
Look no further than dried baby lima beans! These small, white legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But how can you prepare them in a way that brings out their natural flavor and texture? Learning how to cook dried baby lima beans is easier than you might think.
What can you do with cooked baby lima beans?
Cooked baby lima beans are versatile in their uses. They can be used as a side dish, added to soups or stews, mixed into salads or grain bowls, mashed into dips like hummus or blended into spreads for sandwiches. You can also add them to chili dishes where they are great vegetarian substitutes for meat.