Creamy Herbed Lima Beans
These Creamy Herbed Lima Beans are a simple yet elegant side dish, showcasing the pure, buttery flavor of lima beans enhanced with fresh herbs, bright lemon, and rich olive oil. It's a quick and easy recipe that elevates humble beans into a star accompaniment.
For 4 servings
If starting with dried lima beans: Soak 1 cup dried lima beans in plenty of cold water overnight, then drain. Place soaked beans in a pot, cover with fresh water by 2 inches, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw according to package directions.
In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the butter (or 1 tbsp olive oil for vegan) over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the cooked lima beans and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to absorb some of the broth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice.
Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Serve immediately as a warm side dish. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little more good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the lima beans: They should be tender and creamy, but still hold their shape. Overcooked beans can become mushy.
- 2Quality matters for olive oil: Since olive oil is a prominent flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the finishing drizzle.
- 3Fresh herbs are key: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh parsley provides the vibrant flavor and color essential to this dish.
- 4Adjust seasoning at the end: Lima beans can be a bit bland on their own, so don't be shy with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust until the flavors pop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace or combine parsley with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, mint, or a touch of tarragon for different aromatic profiles.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the shallots and garlic for a subtle heat, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For an even creamier result, mash about 1/4 of the beans with a fork before adding the broth, or stir in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or Greek yogurt (if not vegan) at the end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Lima beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, contributing to weight management.
Plant-Based Protein
As a legume, lima beans provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making them a great choice for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Nutrient-Dense
These beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support energy production, red blood cell formation, and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! If using canned lima beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the saucepan in step 4. This will reduce excess sodium and improve the flavor.
