Legume, Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber Low Fat

Lima Beans

Phaseolus lunatus Allergen-Free
Lima Beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southern American, American, South American
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall (fresh), Year-Round (frozen/canned/dried)
  • Source Lima bean plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The often-misunderstood bean that offers creamy texture and subtle earthiness."

Definition

A type of legume known for its flat, kidney-shaped seeds, creamy texture, and distinctive buttery flavor, available in various sizes.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Buttery, Starchy, Earthy
TextureCreamy, Mealy, Tender
AromaEarthy, Slightly Grassy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Fiber Content (per 100g cooked)

7g

Primary Growing Region

Americas (origin)

Protein Content (per 100g cooked)

6.8g

Nutrition Facts

Per 170g (1 cup)
Calories115 kcal
Total Fat0.4 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein7.6 g
Total Carbohydrate20.6 g
Dietary Fiber6.3 g
Total Sugars2.1 g
Calcium26 mg
Iron2.3 mg
Potassium494 mg

Chef’s Secret

Soaking dried lima beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility, but ensure a fresh water change for cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Butter Beans (larger lima beans)

1:1

Essentially the same bean, just larger, offering a very similar flavor and texture.

Fava Beans (shelled)

1:1

Similar creamy texture, distinct earthy flavor, requires preparation.

Great Northern Beans

1:1

Mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked, good for stews and side dishes.

Cannellini Beans

1:1

Creamy and mild, good for versatility in many recipes where a white bean is needed.

Buying Guide

For fresh, look for plump, firm pods. For dried, ensure uniform size and color. Rinse well before cooking.

Flavor Pairings

Bacon ham hocks corn tomatoes thyme savory onions garlic mint.

Recipes Using Lima Beans

4 Hours Or Less Meat Beans Occasion

5 Bean Chili

This hearty 5-Bean Chili recipe from Better Homes & Gardens is packed with flavor! Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, this chili is easily customizable to your spice preference. Add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. A perfect weeknight meal for the whole family!

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15 Minutes Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Course

Another Bean Salad

Sweet and tangy bean salad recipe! This vibrant salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's a delicious combination of beans, veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette that will marinate to perfection overnight.

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Healthy 2 Low Fat Lactose Low Carb

Baby's Vegetable And Beef Soup For The Crock Pot

A beloved family recipe passed down through generations! This hearty and flavorful crockpot soup features tender beef, a medley of baby vegetables, and a touch of zesty Rotel tomatoes for a delicious kick. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. Easy to make and even better as leftovers!

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Vegetarian Main Ingredient Vegetarian Asian

Baghali Polo Persian Rice With Lima Beans

Experience the vibrant flavors of Persia with this exquisite Baghali Polo recipe! This fragrant and flavorful vegetarian rice dish features tender lima beans and fluffy basmati rice. While delicious on its own, it's incredibly satisfying served alongside juicy grilled chicken or lamb. A true taste of home from my Persian kitchen – get ready for a culinary journey!

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Low In Something One Dish Meal Preparation Healthy 2

Baked Bean Medley

This easy recipe, inspired by a preschool mom, delivers the comforting taste of homemade baked beans without the all-day cook time! Rich, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful, this molasses-sweetened medley is a family favorite. Serve alongside cornbread for a truly satisfying meal that kids and adults will adore. Get ready for a taste of 'baked all day' deliciousness in just 75 minutes!

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American Course Chick Peas Garbanzos Oven

Baked Beans Quintet

This hearty Baked Beans Quintet recipe, originally from Better Homes and Gardens and passed down through generations, delivers a rich and savory flavor profile. Sweet and smoky baked beans, perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, tender onions, and aromatic garlic. A comforting classic, perfect for a family gathering or potluck!

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Easy Healthy Dietary Low In Something

Baked Beans With Ground Beef And Bacon

Crowd-pleasing baked beans recipe! This hearty and flavorful dish features tender ground beef, smoky bacon, and sweet baked beans. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a comforting weeknight meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Spicy Weeknight One Dish Meal Presentation

Barbecued Lima Beans Baked

Fall in love with lima beans all over again! This recipe transforms humble lima beans into a smoky, cheesy, and irresistibly sweet side dish or hearty main course. Crisp bacon (optional!), caramelized onions, and a touch of brown sugar create a flavor explosion that even lima bean skeptics will adore. Serve over rice for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a delicious complement to your favorite barbecue. Easily customizable – add liquid smoke for an extra smoky punch!

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Low Calorie Low Calorie Equipment Low Carb

Barbs Butter Bean Or Lima Bean Soup

A family favorite! This hearty and flavorful soup is easily customizable with butter beans, lima beans, or great northern beans. Kick up the heat with diced tomatoes and jalapeños, or add your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery kick. Perfect for a chilly evening!

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Low In Something North American Salads Vegetarian

Beans Black Eyed Peas And Cashew Salad

This vibrant and flavorful salad is packed with protein and healthy fats! A perfect side dish or satisfying vegetarian entree, this recipe combines tender beans, black-eyed peas, crunchy cashews, and a zesty vinaigrette for a taste sensation. Easy to make and even better the next day!

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Vegetables 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Vegetables

Best Lima Beans You Ll Ever Eat

This recipe, passed down from a friend, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Conquer even the most stubborn lima bean skeptic with this easy stovetop dish. It's incredibly flavorful and pairs perfectly with any meat or chicken entree (excluding cream-based sauces). Prepare to be amazed by how delicious lima beans can be! Elevate your next dinner party or weeknight meal with this simple yet spectacular side.

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Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Cuisine

Betty Crocker 1950S Savory Lima Beans

Transport yourself back to the golden age of cooking with this simple yet scrumptious recipe for Betty Crocker's 1950s Savory Lima Beans. A quick and easy side dish that's both nostalgic and undeniably delicious. This recipe features tender lima beans perfectly seasoned with a touch of mustard, sugar, and lemon for a surprisingly addictive flavor combination. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or a taste of simpler times!

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