Southern Styled Lima Beans are a comforting, hearty side dish full of rich, smoky flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans are tender and flavorful, making them a perfect addition to any Southern meal.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🌱 1 lb dried lima beans (also called butter beans)
- 🥓 4 slices bacon, chopped (or 1 ham hock)
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍲 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 🧂 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🌿 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
📝 Directions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
- 🌱 Soak the Beans: Place the dried lima beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Soak the beans overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
- 🥓 Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. (If using a ham hock, cook it in the next step with the beans.)
- 🧅 Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Lima Beans:
- 🍲 Add the Beans and Broth: Add the soaked and drained lima beans to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). If using a ham hock, add it now.
- 🍲 Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the beans for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
4. Final Touches:
- 🥓 Add the Bacon: Once the beans are cooked and tender, stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- 🌿 Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
5. Serve:
🍽️ Serve: Serve the Southern Styled Lima Beans hot, as a side dish to your favorite Southern meals like fried chicken, cornbread, or collard greens.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your rich, flavorful Southern Styled Lima Beans, a classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy!
⏱ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 2 hours (plus soaking time)
⏱ Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
🍽 Servings: 6-8 servings
🔥 Calories: 220 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back into the mixture.
- This dish can be made with fresh or frozen lima beans as well; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your comforting and hearty Southern Styled Lima Beans! 🍲✨