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Lima Beans

Creamy, flavorful lima beans simmered with aromatics and spices for a comforting, budget-friendly side dish or light main course.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups frozen lima beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander or strainer
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and dried thyme; stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Add frozen lima beans (or canned beans) and toss to coat with the aromatic mixture.
  6. Pour in vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes (8 minutes if using canned beans), stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and most liquid has reduced.
  8. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne; stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

For dried lima beans, soak overnight and simmer for about 45 minutes, adding more broth as needed.