Buzz
Lima beans, also referred to as butter beans, belong to the kidney bean family and have their roots in Lima, Peru. Their soft texture and subtle flavor make them a versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing soups, salads, and casseroles. Whether dried, frozen, canned, or fresh, Lima beans require cooking before consumption.
Ingredients
Guide to Cooking Dried Lima Beans
- 1 cup (225 g) of lima beans
- 3 cups (750 mL) of water
- 1 cup (225 g) of lima beans (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 cups (500 mL) of vegetable stock (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 sliced carrots (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 chopped onions (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 tbsp (7.6 g) of minced parsley (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- Ground black pepper, to taste (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 tbsp (16 g) of whole-wheat flour (for the lima beans stew recipe)
- 2 cups (500 mL) of soy milk (for the lima beans stew recipe)
Yields 6 servings.
Guide to Utilizing Frozen Lima Beans
- 3 tbsp (30 g) of lima beans
- ⅓ cup (79 mL) of water
- ½ (75 g) of finely chopped onion (for the lima beans in chicken broth recipe)
- 1 ½ cups (375 g) of chicken broth (for the lima beans in chicken broth recipe)
- 16 ounces (450 g) of frozen lima beans (for the lima beans in chicken broth recipe)
Yields 6 servings.
Tips for Cooking Canned Lima Beans
- 1 can of lima beans
- 2 slices of uncooked bacon (for the Southern lima beans recipe)
- 1 cup (250 mL) of water (for the Southern lima beans recipe)
- 2 cans of lima beans (for the Southern lima beans recipe)
- Salt, to taste (for the Southern lima beans recipe)
- Hot sauce, to taste (for the Southern lima beans recipe)
Serves 4
Strategies for Dealing with Fresh Lima Beans
- 1 lb (450 g) of fresh lima beans
- 2 cups (500 mL) of water
- 1 lb (450 g) of fresh lima beans (for the lima beans with black pepper and butter recipe)
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) of salt (for the lima beans with black pepper and butter recipe)
- 2 tbsp (28.4 g) of butter (for the lima beans with black pepper and butter recipe)
- Ground black pepper, to taste (for the lima beans with black pepper and butter recipe)
Serves 4
Steps
Preparing Dried Lima Beans
Opt for dried lima beans for storage lasting up to 6 months. Acquire lima beans from either a bulk bin or a prepackaged container. Ensure the bulk bin is sealed or the prepackaged container is intact to protect the beans from moisture and pests.
- Keep dried lima beans in an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark location with temperatures below 75 °F (24 °C).
Arrange the lima beans on a light-colored plate or tray. Inspect for any damaged beans, debris, or small stones. Remove and discard any damaged beans, stones, or debris discovered.
- Using a dark-colored plate or tray won't be effective since damaged beans and debris won't be easily visible.
Thoroughly rinse the lima beans with cool, running water. Place the lima beans in a strainer and wash them thoroughly under running water.
Soak dried lima beans in water for a minimum of 8 hours. Place the lima beans in a bowl of water, maintaining a ratio of 1 cup (225 g) of beans to every 2 cups (500 mL) of water. Allow the bowl of lima beans and water to sit in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours, drain the water from the beans and rinse them again with fresh water.
- Soaking the lima beans is essential as it aids in removing some sugars, thus enhancing their digestibility.
- It's imperative to soak the beans in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to prevent fermentation.
PRO TIP
Sasha Reyes
Executive Chef
Executive Chef
Combine lima beans with pasta or rice. Elevate pasta or rice dishes by mixing in cooked lima beans. Their inherent earthy sweetness and creamy texture contrast beautifully with the starchiness of the grains, enhancing the overall taste and enjoyment.
Bring 3 cups (750 mL) of water to a simmer for every 1 cup (225 g) of dried lima beans. Boil the water, then let the beans simmer for 45 minutes in a saucepan. Skim off any foam to prevent spillage.
- After 45 minutes, the beans will be tender.
- Avoid adding salt or seasoning during this stage as it can toughen the beans. Season them after simmering or when adding to a dish.
- Once done simmering, the lima beans are ready to use in dishes.
Create a hearty lima bean stew for a comforting meal. Combine 1 cup (225 g) of cooked dried lima beans, 2 cups (500 mL) of vegetable stock, 2 sliced carrots, 2 chopped onions, 2 tbsp (7.6 g) of minced parsley, and ground black pepper in a large saucepan. Simmer for 1 hour. Thicken the stew by mixing 2 tbsp (16 g) of whole-wheat flour with 2 cups (500 mL) of soy milk.
- Check the beans occasionally during the 1-hour simmer to ensure they're very soft, indicating the stew is ready.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dealing with Fresh Lima Beans
Source fresh lima beans from a farmers market. Look for dark green, glossy, firm beans, avoiding any with decay, mold, or blemishes.
- Some specialty grocery stores also carry fresh lima beans.
- Fresh lima beans are typically available in dried form.
- Store fresh lima beans in the refrigerator crisper for 2-3 days.
Shell fresh lima beans before cooking. Twist open the pod or split it lengthwise to release the beans. Place the beans in a bowl as you shell them.
- Discard pods with mildew or mold.
Rinse the freshly shelled lima beans under running water. Use a strainer to wash the beans with cool water for 1-2 minutes.
Simmer 1 lb (450 g) of fresh lima beans for 1 hour to cook. Combine the beans with 2 cups (500 mL) of water and ½ tsp (2.5 g) of salt in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 1 hour. Drain and add to your dish.
- When tender, the lima beans are done.
- Cooked lima beans are commonly paired with rice in equal parts.
- Alternatively, enjoy with 2 tbsp (28.4 g) of butter and ground black pepper.
Utilizing Frozen Lima Beans
Opt for frozen lima beans for up to 1 year of storage. Ensure the beans move freely in the bag, indicating proper freezing.
- Avoid clumped frozen beans, as they may have thawed and refrozen.
Directly add frozen lima beans to hot dishes. Incorporate them into dishes like chili or beans and rice to thaw and cook. No separate thawing is typically required.
Microwave frozen lima beans for 8 minutes. Use ⅓ cup (79 mL) of water for every 3 tbsp (30 g) of beans in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and cook on high for 8 minutes.
- This method is handy for cooking beans alone, not as part of a dish.
- Once cooked, drain and season as desired.
Cook frozen lima beans in chicken broth for a quick, protein-rich meal. Sauté ½ (75 g) of finely chopped onion until soft. Add 1 ½ cups (375 mL) of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add 16 ounces (450 g) of frozen lima beans, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Preparing Canned Lima Beans
Opt for canned lima beans for up to 4 years of storage. Commercially canned lima beans are readily available in most grocery stores. Choose intact cans without significant dents or bulges.
Drain lima beans using a strainer. Open the can and pour the beans into a strainer. Rinse thoroughly under cool, running water.
- Only use freshly opened canned lima beans.
Warm canned lima beans in a saucepan for 10 minutes. Transfer 1 can of drained and rinsed lima beans to a saucepan. Heat on medium for 10 minutes.
- After heating, season with salt or ground black pepper to taste.
Prepare Southern-style lima beans as a protein-rich side. Cut 2 slices of uncooked bacon into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) pieces. Fry until browned, then add 1 cup (250 mL) of water. Incorporate 2 cans of drained and rinsed lima beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and hot sauce to taste before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Useful Tips
- Lima beans are versatile and can be used in succotash and various other dishes.
Warnings
- Don't consume lima beans from bulging, rusting, severely dented, or leaking packages. Dispose of them and get fresh ones.
- Before use, ensure lima beans are not spoiled. Discard any showing signs of mold, off odors, or unusual appearance.
Essential Items
Cooking Dried Lima Beans
- Light-colored plate or tray
- Strainer
- Bowl
- Saucepan
- Airtight container
Utilizing Frozen Lima Beans
- Microwave-safe dish
- Nonstick frying pan
Preparing Canned Lima Beans
- Can opener
- Strainer
- Saucepan
- Nonstick frying pan
Handling Fresh Lima Beans
- Strainer
- Saucepan
