How to Cook Lima Beans

Lima beans in a casserole dish.

Are Lima Beans and Butter Beans the Same Thing?

Ask the technical experts and they will tell you that lima beans and butter beans are the same thing with different names. Ask the classic Southern traditional cook in the United States how these beans cook and they will usually tell you that there is a huge difference. Personally from my experience lima beans are green: a very unique color green at that.

Looking for other delicious side dishes? Visit our popular recipe pages for Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot. See How to Season Canned Black Beans. Looking for recipes made with fresh veggies? See how easy it is to cook Fresh Purple Hull Peas in the Instant Pot. Or add some leafy greens to the beans recipe rotation with Collard Greens or Savoy Cabbage.

Green Lima beans in pot of water ready to cook.
Lima Beans vs Butter Beans

Butter beans are tan or brown- never green. Lima beans are generally fresh, frozen or canned though you can find some dried beans labeled limas. There are baby limas and large lima beans. Butter beans can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried but they are never green. Instead they have a tan or brown color.

Tan Butter beans bubbling hot and ready to serve in a casserole dish.
Butter Beans

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking. They come in various types, including large lima beans, baby limas, and even white lima beans. These beans are not only tasty but also nutritious, making them a great addition to your meals. If you’re ready to learn how to cook lima beans for the first time, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore the cooking process, tips, and tricks for making the perfect lima beans.

What Are Lima Beans?

Lima beans are flat, oval-shaped beans that are creamy and buttery in texture. They have a savory flavor that pairs well with many dishes. In the Southern United States, these beans are often enjoyed in classic recipes that include ingredients like ham hocks, salt pork, and bacon grease. They are sometimes called pocketbook beans because they are affordable and easy to cook.

Choosing Your Lima Beans

If you want to know how to cook lima beans start by finding the beans at your favorite store. You can find lima beans at the grocery store in various forms: dried, canned, or frozen. If you’re looking for the freshest taste, dried lima beans are a great option. You can also find heirloom beans for a unique flavor experience. The baby limas are smaller and cook faster, while large lima beans are perfect for a creamier texture. No matter which type you choose, you’ll be in for a treat!

Prep Time and Cooking Time

Before you start learning how to cook lima beans, let’s talk about prep time and cooking time. If you’re using dried beans, you’ll want to soak them overnight in hot water to soften them up. This step can save you cooking time. If you’re using canned beans, the prep time is shorter since they are already cooked.

For dried beans, the cook time will usually be about 20-30 minutes after soaking. Canned beans can be ready in just a few minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious batch of southern lima beans with a creamy texture, gather these simple ingredients. For a simple basic recipe with just a few ingredients see our recipe card at the bottom.

  • 1 pound of dried lima beans
  • 4 cups of water (or enough liquid to cover the beans)
  • 1-2 ham hocks or a ham bone (for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil or bacon grease
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic cloves for extra flavor

Cooking Process

Step 1: Soak the Beans

If you’re using dried lima beans, start by soaking them. Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with hot water. Let them sit for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. This helps soften the beans and makes them cook faster.

Step 2: Drain and Rinse

After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove any dirt and excess starch.

Step 3: Sauté the Flavor Base

In the same large pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or bacon grease and heat it over medium heat. Add a chopped raw onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This will give your lima beans a rich, savory flavor.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Liquid

Add the soaked lima beans to the pot, followed by enough water to cover them. If you’re using ham hocks, add them now for that smoky flavor. If you have leftover ham, you can chop it up and add it too. This will enhance the dish’s richness. Remember, you want enough liquid to cook the beans without them drying out.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Now it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle in the onion powder, black pepper, and a bay leaf. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add some pepper sauce. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a low boil.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the lima beans simmer for about 20-30 minutes. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can set it to low for 6-8 hours for an easy, hands-off option.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After the cooking time, check the beans for doneness. They should be tender and creamy but not mushy. If they need more time, continue to simmer, checking every few minutes. If the beans seem too dry, add a little water to ensure they have enough liquid.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your lima beans are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. Take out the bay leaf and ham hocks (if you used them). Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can serve them as a simple side dish alongside homemade biscuits or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cooked beans left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for later use. Just make sure to label your container with the date! For more times to store foods see our post How Long Is Food Good For in the Fridge?

Bottom Line

Lima beans are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. They might get a bad rap sometimes, but with the right recipe, they can be your favorite bean! Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or as part of a hearty main course, these creamy, buttery beans are sure to please your taste buds. Give this classic Southern lima bean recipe a try and bring a taste of Southern cooking to your kitchen!

Final Thoughts

Cooking lima beans is a simple process that yields a delicious end result. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. So, whether it’s your first time cooking them or you’re a seasoned pro, these beans are worth a spot on your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lima beans in a casserole dish.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

How to Cook Lima Beans

Combine fresh, frozen or dried lima beans, water and seasoning in a large pot on the stovetop. Bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium high and cook until tender. Add water as needed to keep beans covered with water while cooking. If you don't presoak dried beans, add 15 minutes to cooking time.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 217kcal
Cost: $5

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water (optional – use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water)
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen or dried lima beans (Can pre-soak dried beans the night before; or use no soak method and just add 15 minutes to cooking time and cook until tender.)
  • 1 tbls olive oil

Instructions

  • Place water in large boiler.
  • Add lima beans to water.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and stir.
  • Bring water to boil on high heat.
  • Reduce heat and cook on medium high until beans are tender. This will take about 40 to 45 minutes. Be sure to add water as needed to keep them from boiling dry.
  • Serve and enjoy! See notes below for seasoning suggestions to use while cooking.

Notes

Nutritional values are an estimate and can vary depending upon ingredients used in recipe.
Pro tip:  Always add a tablespoon of oil.  I use olive oil for health benefits, but canola or vegetable oil will work well, too.  The oil helps to keep the beans from foaming up and boiling over.
Optional:  For added flavor use bacon,  ham or ham hock to season.  Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper,  or  red pepper flakes to taste.  
For dried lima beans sort (pick out the bad ones and throw them away),  soak in a bowl  of water covering the beans plus several inches of water on top, the night before.  Drain and rinse before cooking.  If not pre-soaking add an additional 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
The instant pot pressure cooker does a great job to make lima beans soft.  They turn out tender in about 25 minutes of cooking time and then release with natural pressure (let it release without manually turning the sealing valve to let steam out quickly.)  It will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to release naturally.
Slow cookers are great for dried beans.  No soaking required.  Add beans, water, seasonings and oil and cook for 2 to 4 hours on low until lima beans are tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 0.7g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 955mg | Sugar: 5g

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1 Comment

  • Reply
    Food and Life Path
    10/17/2024 at 8:54 pm

    5 stars
    Basic recipe or spice it up!

  • 5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




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