Easy Lima Beans

Discover the comforting simplicity of "Easy Lima Beans," a hearty dish that's as wholesome as it is flavorful. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep, this recipe turns humble dried lima beans into a creamy, savory masterpiece, enhanced by aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich vegetable broth. With just a handful of pantry staples like a bay leaf, olive oil, and a sprinkle of herbs, this one-pot wonder is both budget-friendly and satisfying. Serve it as a nourishing side dish or a standalone meal paired with crusty bread. Ready in under 90 minutes (including hands-off cooking time), this easy lima beans recipe is a healthy, plant-based option that’s packed with protein and fiber while being gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for cozy nights in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:80 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lima beans
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried lima beans to remove any debris or broken beans.

Step 2

Soak the lima beans in 4 cups of water overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the drained lima beans, vegetable broth, and 2 cups of water to the pot.

Step 7

Toss in the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 60-70 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Check for doneness around the 60-minute mark. The beans should be tender and creamy. If the liquid reduces too much during cooking, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time.

Step 10

Once tender, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Ladle the lima beans into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main meal with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1783.8 grams (1783.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1169

Total Fat 33.60g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.50g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3551mg	154%
Total Carbohydrate 170.20g	62%
Dietary Fiber 46.30g	165%
Total Sugars 28.60g
Protein 53.30g	107%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 336mg	26%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 4512mg	96%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.3%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 56.9%