Frank Stitts Butter Beans

Experience Southern comfort on a plate with Frank Stitt's Butter Beans—a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the creamy, tender texture of fresh butter beans (or baby lima beans). Infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf, this recipe is simmered to perfection in a rich chicken stock, with the option to go vegetarian by swapping for vegetable stock. A touch of lemon juice adds a bright finish, while fresh parsley enhances the presentation. Ready in just an hour, this heartwarming side dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or roasted meats, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients and loaded with classic Southern flavors, this recipe is a must-try for comfort food enthusiasts.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh butter beans (or baby lima beans)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the butter beans under cold water and set them aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Add the butter beans to the pot, along with the kosher salt, black pepper, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the beans simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender but not falling apart.

Step 7

Once the beans are cooked, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the butter beans warm in a bowl, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1584 grams (1584.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	964

Total Fat 41.90g	54%
Saturated Fat 17.10g	86%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 4122mg	179%
Total Carbohydrate 110.20g	40%
Dietary Fiber 34.60g	124%
Total Sugars 13.40g
Protein 43.20g	86%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 220mg	17%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 2880mg	61%

*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: 38.1%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 44.5%