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Lima Bean Recipe

Creamy, herb-infused lima beans sautéed with onion, garlic, and olive oil for a comforting yet elegant side dish ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 cans lima beans drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked dried beans)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable broth optional, for extra creaminess

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or fine mesh strainer
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Garlic press

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse canned lima beans under cold water for 1 minute; set aside to remove excess sodium and starch.
  2. Step 2: Place a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and heat for about 1 minute until the oil shimmers.
  3. Step 3: Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add the lima beans and stir gently to coat with the seasoned oil and aromatics.
  7. Step 7: Cook for 8–10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through; if the mixture seems dry, pour in vegetable broth for extra creaminess.
  8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from heat, fold in chopped parsley and thyme, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.

Notes

For the best texture, keep the heat at medium and avoid over-stirring; add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness.