Creamy Herbed Lima Beans
Tender lima beans simmered in a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce with a gentle hint of garlic. This comforting side dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~12 min
Cook the lima beans.
1.Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add 400g lima beans and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.3.Drain well and set aside.TIPDon't overcook the beans — they should be tender but still hold their shape. - saute · ~2 min
Sauté the garlic and herbs.
1.Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.2.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.3.Stir in dried thyme and rosemary, cooking for 20 seconds to bloom the herbs.TIPKeep the heat gentle — garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. - simmer · ~5 min
Create the creamy sauce.
1.Pour in 0.5 cup heavy cream and 0.25 cup water. Stir to combine.2.Add the cooked lima beans to the skillet.3.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.4.Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beans.TIPStir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom. - garnish
Finish and serve.
1.Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon juice.2.Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt if needed.3.Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.TIPThe lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish — don't skip it.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1If using frozen lima beans, do not thaw before boiling; add them directly to the pot.
- 2Reserve a splash of the bean cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- 3Crush dried rosemary between your fingers before adding to release its essential oils.
- 4For a glossier sauce, swirl in an extra teaspoon of cold butter just before serving.
- 5Taste the beans for doneness at 10 minutes; fresh beans may cook faster than frozen.
- 6Let the sauce simmer uncovered so it reduces and clings to the beans without becoming watery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter and swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream or a blend of cashew cream and unsweetened oat milk for a luscious, plant-based sauce.
extra herbaceousExtra-herbaceous
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh snipped chives or chopped dill along with the parsley for a brighter, garden-fresh flavor profile.
smoky baconSmoky bacon
Cook 2 slices of finely diced bacon in the skillet before the garlic, then proceed with the recipe; the smoky drippings replace half the butter for a savory, rustic version.
garlicky lemonGarlicky lemon
Increase the garlic to 5 cloves and double the lemon juice for a punchy, zesty sauce that cuts through the richness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Lima beans provide a solid source of protein and fiber, making this side more satiating and supportive of digestive health.
Good Source of Folate
Lima beans are naturally high in folate, a B-vitamin essential for cell growth and red blood cell formation.
Contains Beneficial Herbs
Thyme and rosemary offer antioxidant compounds that can support immune function and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Low-Calorie Base Balanced with Healthy Fats
The beans themselves are low in calories and fat, while a modest amount of butter and cream provides richness without excessive saturated fat per serving.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Drain and rinse well, then skip the boiling step. Add them directly to the cream sauce and simmer just until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.







