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A close-up of a bowl filled with shiny, cooked brown beans that appear to be large and oval-shaped, possibly lima or butter beans, resting in a light-colored ceramic dish.

Lima Beans

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Tender lima beans soak overnight and simmer slowly with aromatic shallots, thinly sliced garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf, resulting in a creamy, flavorful side dish. This method elevates simple beans into a hearty accompaniment perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Classic
Calories: 249
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Lima beans soaked overnight
  • 1 tablespoon Shallots finely chopped
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 5-6 sprigs Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • Kosher salt to taste

Equipment

  • Small frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Medium saucepan or pot

Method
 

Sauté Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add shallots and sauté until softened but not browned, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Simmer Beans
  1. In a medium pot, bring 4–5 inches of water to a boil.
  2. Add soaked lima beans, sautéed shallots, sliced garlic, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs.
  3. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and season with kosher salt to taste.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 1 to 3 hours, testing tenderness after 1 hour and every 15 minutes thereafter, until beans are tender but not mushy.
To Serve
  1. Remove beans with a slotted spoon.
  2. Plate alongside your favorite protein and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 554mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 244IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 3mg

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