Lima beans are one of those versatile ingredients that go well with almost anything. Their creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor make them a favorite in many cuisines around the world.
Whether you’re serving these tasty beans as a side dish or as the main dish itself, they should go with some equally incredible side dishes.
Here you can find 15 delightful pairings that can elevate your lima beans to the next level!
There are many great side dishes that go well with lima beans. Some of them are cornbread, avocado fries, tater tots, chicken meatballs, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, Greek yogurt, quinoa salad, baked sweet potato, bruschetta, and mashed cauliflower.
Eggs and beans are a classic combination, and scrambled eggs with lima beans is no exception. The rich, fluffy eggs balance out the creamy texture of the lima beans. For an extra twist, add some herbs or a dash of hot sauce to your scrambled eggs. A simple yet hearty breakfast or brunch dish is ready!.
Edamame, young soybeans, are a great accompaniment to lima beans. Theyre high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and tasty side. Just boil them in salted water and serve with a sprinkle of sea salt. Their bright green color and slightly nutty flavor will complement the lima beans beautifully.
Butternut squash that has been roasted adds sweetness and depth to a dish that goes well with lima beans that are creamy. Toss the squash with olive oil and herbs, then cut it up and roast it until it’s soft and caramelized. The earthy, sweet notes of the squash will make your lima beans sing!.
A piece of warm, crumbly cornbread is a comforting addition to a bowl of lima beans. The slight sweetness and grainy texture of the cornbread make it a wonderful contrast to the creamy beans. And who could resist the chance to soak up all those delicious juices with a chunk of cornbread?.
With avocado fries, you can make your lima beans more crispy. They are fun and good for you. The breadcrumbs cover the creamy avocado and are baked until they are golden brown. The fries are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The richness of the avocado is a fantastic match for the lima beans.
Who doesnt love tater tots? These crispy, bite-sized potato balls are a favorite for a reason. Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make them a delightful side dish to lima beans. Serve them with some ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and youve got a crowd-pleaser!.
Lima beans may not have the best reputation, but they deserve a second chance These wholesome legumes boast a creamy, hearty texture and subtle earthy flavor when prepared properly However, many home cooks get stumped on how to turn lowly lima beans into a craveworthy dish. The key is knowing what ingredients to pair them with to allow their natural flavors to shine.
In this article we’ll explore 17 recipes spanning appetizers mains, sides, desserts, and drinks that lima beans effortlessly complement. Get ready to find inspiration to transform lima beans into the star of your next meal.
Appetizers and Breads That Complement Hearty Lima Beans
Looking for a starter that whets the appetite for lima bean goodness? These appetizers and breads make excellent lead-ins.
Garlic Crostini
Crunchy, garlicky crostini is a no-fuss appetizer that pairs flawlessly with lima beans. The sharp brightness of the garlic toast cuts through the earthy creaminess of the beans. Make basic crostini by brushing slices of crusty bread with olive oil and toasting until crisp. For extra garlic flavor, rub the slices with a peeled clove before drizzling over oil.
Stuffed Mini Peppers
For a fresh, lively appetizer, whip up these easy stuffed mini peppers. The zesty kick of the peppers contrasts nicely with mild lima beans. Combine cream cheese with Everything Bagel seasoning and pipe into halved mini peppers for a 5-ingredient snack. Grill or bake to soften the peppers and warm the filling.
Skillet Cornbread
Warm, hearty cornbread is a beloved companion for soupy lima beans. For convenience, use a pre-made cornbread mix and jazz it up with chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, or kernels of corn. Bake in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges that beg to be dunked into lima bean stew.
Parotta
This fluffy Indian flatbread makes an excellent vehicle for scooping up lima beans. Parotta has a layered, flaky texture similar to roti. It takes just a few pantry staples like all-purpose flour, oil, salt, and water. Fry the dough in ghee for enhanced flavor.
Rosemary-Olive Oil Bread
For lima beans, go all out with homemade rosemary-olive oil bread. Though involved, few scents are more mouthwatering than a loaf of bread baking at home. The grassy fragrance of fresh rosemary elevates the humble lima bean. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving alongside a piping hot bowl of beans.
Satisfying Mains and Sides for Lima Bean Meals
Looking for a hearty main or side to round out your lima bean meal? These flavorful recipes won’t disappoint.
Silky Scrambled Eggs
For a protein-packed brunch, serve lima beans with fluffy scrambled eggs. Blend the eggs vigorously with cream or creme fraiche until completely smooth before cooking for the creamiest curds. Garnish with fresh chives or crispy bacon crumbles.
Honey-Mustard Chicken
Sweet, tangy baked chicken thighs are a crowd-pleasing match for lima beans. Coat bone-in chicken with a zippy mustard-honey marinade before roasting until browned and tender. The glistening glaze complements the earthy beans beautifully.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce
Fancy up your lima beans with herb-crusted salmon fillets. Coat firm salmon filets with panko, parmesan, and parsley before pan-searing. Top the fish with a rich dill-spiked cream sauce. The bright green lima beans provide relief from the rich fish.
Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
For a vegetarian lima bean partner, try this protein-packed quinoa pilaf exploding with herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives. Saute the grains in garlic-infused olive oil before adding broth to cook. Fluff with a fork once the quinoa is tender. Stir in herbs and feta for a savory, tangy pilaf.
Sous Vide Pork Chops
Treat your lima beans to the most succulent pork chops they’ve ever met. Prepare them sous vide for the juiciest results. Vacuum seal seasoned chops and cook in water held at 135°F before searing both sides to caramelize. Serve with a sweet and tangy apple chutney for the full gourmet experience.
Veggies and Salads to Accompany Nutritious Lima Beans
Well-chosen vegetable sides and salads make lima beans complete. These produce pairings are all-star complements.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Even veggie skeptics will devour lima beans served with roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil and roast at 400°F until deeply caramelized; they’ll taste like candy! Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar before serving for a tangy contrast to the earthy lima beans.
Kale and Cranberry Salad
Lima beans love the company of a refreshing kale salad jazzed up with tart cranberries and nuts. Massage torn kale with lemon juice to soften it before tossing with crisp apples, dried cranberries, pecans or walnuts, and a creamy dressing like Green Goddess.
Lemon-Rosemary Roasted Asparagus
For an easy vegetable side, roast asparagus spears coated in olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary at 425°F until lightly charred. Shower with grated lemon zest before serving alongside nutty, buttery lima beans. The fresh, verdant asparagus balances the starchy beans.
Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Trade in ordinary mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes mashed with butter, cream, and a hint of cinnamon when serving lima beans. Boil cubed sweet potatoes until very tender before mashing smooth with warmed dairy and spices. The earthy sweet potatoes pair beautifully with savory lima beans.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Make lima beans the star attraction with this stunning ruby beet and goat cheese salad. Roast beets until tender before peeling and slicing over mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, orange segments, and toasted pistachios. Drizzle with a shallot vinaigrette and scatter more cheese over top.
Sweet Treats and Drinks to Cap Off a Lima Bean Feast
Want to end your lima bean dinner on a high note? Try one of these creative desserts or beverages.
Lavender Panna Cotta with Poached Pears
Impress your guests with individual vanilla bean panna cottas infused with floral lavender essence and served with sweet wine-poached pear halves. Chill the molten egg custards overnight so they set into a refined, silken finale worthy of the best lima bean meal.
Raspberry-Chocolate Tart
Celebrate the height of summer with a freeform tart piled with chocolate ganache, fresh raspberries, and toasted sliced almonds. Press the buttery crust into a tart pan before filling and chilling until set. The interplay of fruit, chocolate, and nuts is the perfect capper for savory lima beans.
Rosemary-Mint Lemonade
Refresh the palate after feasting on lima beans with a pitcher of homemade rosemary-mint lemonade. Muddle lemon slices and fresh herb sprigs with sugar to release their oils before juicing the lemons and pouring over ice. Top off glasses with sparkling water for a sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage.
With the right supporting ingredients, humble lima beans transform into culinary superstars. Try out these diverse recipes to experience the versatility of lima beans first-hand. You may just find that this underrated legume earns a regular spot on your dinner table.
Lentil Salad
A lentil salad is a hearty and nutritious addition to a lima beans dish. Lentils, like lima beans, are high in protein and fiber. They also taste a little earthy, which goes well with the beans. Toss them with some fresh veggies and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing side salad.
Chicken meatballs are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional meatballs and pair well with lima beans. Season them with your favorite herbs and spices and bake until golden. The chicken meatballs are salty and the lima beans are creamy. Together, they make the meal taste even better.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread with its robust flavor is a heavenly match for the mild and creamy lima beans. The strong flavors of the garlic and herbs, along with the crunch of the bread, make the dish more interesting. Plus, its perfect for scooping up those last delicious bits of beans from your plate!.
Delicious Lima Bean Recipe You Need to Try
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