Lima Beans

Phaseolus lunatus Legume

Lima Beans Legume

At a Glance

  • Category Legume

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A starchy, creamy-textured legume known for its distinctive flat, kidney-shaped pods and slightly earthy, buttery flavor, available fresh, frozen, or canned.

Fiber Content (per 100g cooked) 7g
Primary Growing Region Americas (origin)
Protein Content (per 100g cooked) 6.8g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lima Beans are:

Earthy Buttery Mild Starchy

Chef’s Secret

For an extra creamy and less starchy texture, purée a portion of cooked lima beans with a touch of cream or broth, then stir back into the whole beans.

Best Substitutes

Edamame

similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Fava Beans

slightly nuttier
Ratio 1:1

Cannellini Beans

milder, creamier
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Fresh pods should be firm and green; frozen are convenient; canned should be rinsed to reduce sodium.

Recipes Using Lima Beans

Salads Time To Make Beans Occasion

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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Low Saturated Fat Oven Taste Mood Weeknight

Barbecued Lima Beans And Ham

Fall-off-the-bone tender ham and sweet lima beans simmered to perfection in a smoky barbecue sauce. This comforting classic is perfect for a family dinner or potluck! Easy to follow instructions for delicious results.

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30 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Vegetables Preparation

Foodies Succotash

This vibrant succotash recipe, featured on the Foodies cooking show, is a quick and easy side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues. Impress your guests with this fresh, flavorful take on a classic! Prep all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.

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Main Ingredient For Large Groups Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Beans With 5 Kinds Of Beans

This recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a mouthwatering baked bean experience! A symphony of five different beans, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, sweet and savory sauce. Customize the sweetness to your liking with adjustable brown sugar, mustard, and maple syrup. Get ready for the most comforting and delicious baked beans you've ever tasted!

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Side Dishes Main Ingredient Southern United States 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Lima Beans

A heartwarming Christmas tradition! These creamy, flavorful baked lima beans are the perfect side dish for your holiday ham. Tender lima beans simmered in a rich, savory sauce will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a taste of Christmas magic!

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Preparation Vegetarian Dietary Low Cholesterol

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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Dietary Main Ingredient Beef Preparation

Baked Bean Casserole

A hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a potluck gathering! This recipe features tender bacon, savory beef, and sweet beans, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Low In Something Healthy Dietary Course

Anita's Cheese And Potato Beef Pie

A comforting and cheesy family classic! This hearty beef and potato pie, inspired by a beloved family recipe, is packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Beans Preparation Occasion Potluck

Arizona Beans

This hearty and flavorful Arizona Beans recipe is a MUST-HAVE side dish, especially when paired with ham and scalloped potatoes! It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for tender beans bursting with smoky bacon flavor.

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Equipment Main Ingredient Potluck Low Protein

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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Side Dishes Comfort Food 4 Hours Or Less Course

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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Low In Something Main Dish Low In Something Course

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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Meat One Dish Meal Course Easy

Best Lima Bean Soup Especially Wintertime

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful lima bean soup, perfect for chilly winter nights! This recipe is incredibly versatile – easily customizable to your taste preferences, creating a thick or thin soup to your liking. Don't worry if you're not a lima bean fan; the beans provide a subtle base, allowing other delicious flavors to shine. Enjoy this rib-sticking, crowd-pleasing soup with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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Main Ingredient Kid Friendly Occasion North American

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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Main Ingredient Beef North American 4 Hours Or Less

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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Low Carb Fall 60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Autumn Vegetable Succotash

This vibrant Autumn Vegetable Succotash recipe is a delicious and healthy side dish, bursting with the flavors of fall! Sweet corn, butternut squash, and bell peppers mingle with savory lima beans and herbs for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Occasion Holiday Event Bacon Time To Make

Barbecued Lima Beans

Impress your guests with these irresistible Barbecued Lima Beans! Perfect for your next cookout or backyard barbecue, this Chicago Tribune-inspired recipe delivers tender, smoky lima beans with a sweet and savory BBQ glaze. Customize the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the brown sugar. Get ready for flavor explosion!

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Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Southern United States Inexpensive Egg Free

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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