A Guide to Cooking Lima Beans and Ham: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Cooking lima beans and ham together is a wonderful way to create a hearty and delicious meal. This recipe is straightforward and full of flavor, making it a favorite for both everyday and special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’re sure to enjoy this simple yet comforting dish.

Ingredients

1 cup dried lima beans or 2 cans of cooked lima beans 1-2 cups diced ham (smoked or leftover ham works well) 1 medium onion, chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional) 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water) 1-2 bay leaves Salt and pepper to taste Optional seasonings: thyme, paprika, or cayenne pepper (for a kick) Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Prepare the Lima Beans

If using dried lima beans, rinse and soak them overnight in water. Drain before cooking. Alternatively, if using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes). If using garlic, add it and sauté for another minute.

Add Ham

Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it is heated through.

Combine Ingredients

Add the soaked or canned lima beans to the pot. Pour in the broth or water. Add the bay leaves and any additional seasonings you like.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer. If using dried beans, simmer for about 1-1.5 hours or until they are tender. For canned beans, simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Season and Serve

Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Tips

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.

This dish can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience. For a slow cooker:

Soak the limas overnight, change the water, refill with water over the beans, and then put them in a slow cooker with the ham hocks. Simmer gently until the beans are soft. Check that the water is not boiling away and gently simmer.

Enjoy your hearty meal!