The Christmas Lima Bean stands out as a unique and nutritious choice in the realm of festive culinary delights.
Often hailed as the “chestnut lima,” this heirloom bean is not only a feast for the eyes with its striking burgundy splashes on a creamy background but also a treasure trove of flavors and health benefits.
In this article, we will explore a Christmas Lima Beans recipe that transforms these exquisite beans into a dish that is both heartwarming and tantalizingly delicious.
Nutritional Value Of Christmas Lima Beans
Before we delve into the cooking process, let’s appreciate the nutritional prowess of Christmas Lima Beans.
These beans are a powerhouse of good health, packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron.
They’re also low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Christmas Lima Beans Recipe
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 8 hours (for soaking beans) + 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 9.5 hours (including soaking time)
- Course: Main Course / Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 200-250 calories (based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried Christmas Lima Beans
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Soaking The Beans: Begin by soaking the Christmas Lima Beans overnight in cold water. This step is crucial as it helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
- Sautéing The Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and emit a fragrant aroma.
- Adding The Beans And Spices: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, adding them to the pot. Stir in the red bell pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Cooking The Beans: Pour the vegetable broth, submerging the beans completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Final Touches: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of the Christmas Lima Bean recipe lies in its versatility. These beans can be a fantastic side dish to accompany your holiday turkey or roast.
Alternatively, they can be the star of the show in a vegetarian meal paired with crusty bread or a green salad.
The robust flavor profile of these beans also makes them an excellent addition to tacos or burritos for a festive twist.
Health Benefits
Not only is this dish a treat to your taste buds, but it also offers numerous health benefits. The high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the iron and potassium in the beans contribute to better heart health and energy levels.
Conclusion
The Christmas Lima Beans recipe is a testament to the fact that holiday meals can be both indulgent and healthy.
With its rich flavors and nutritional benefits, this dish will surely become a cherished addition to your festive menu.
Christmas Lima Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried Christmas Lima Beans
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Soaking The Beans: Begin by soaking the Christmas Lima Beans overnight in cold water. This step is crucial as it helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.
- Sautéing The Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and emit a fragrant aroma.
- Adding The Beans And Spices: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, adding them to the pot. Stir in the red bell pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Cooking The Beans: Pour the vegetable broth, submerging the beans completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Final Touches: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
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