Lima Butter Bean
Phaseolus lunatusClinical Encyclopedia
Lima butter beans are a nutritious legume known for their creamy texture and rich flavor. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Soak dried beans overnight and cook thoroughly to eliminate toxins. They can be added to soups, stews, or salads for added nutrition.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose firm, plump beans with no signs of discoloration or damage. For dried beans, check the packaging date for freshness.
Store dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked beans should be refrigerated and consumed within 5 days.
Myths vs Realities
MythLima beans are toxic and should never be eaten.+
MythAll beans are the same nutritionally.+
MythYou can't eat lima beans if you have a legume allergy.+
Healthy Recipes
Lima Butter Bean Salad with Avocado and Citrus Dressing
A refreshing salad featuring creamy lima butter beans, ripe avocado, and a zesty citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lima butter beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Spicy Lima Butter Bean Hummus
A unique twist on traditional hummus, this spicy lima butter bean version is perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on whole grain toast.
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1. In a food processor, combine the cooked lima butter beans, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 3. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Lima Butter Bean and Quinoa Bowl
A nutritious bowl packed with protein-rich quinoa, lima butter beans, and colorful vegetables, drizzled with a tahini dressing.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, lima butter beans, spinach, bell peppers, and cucumber.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl and toss gently before serving.
Lima Butter Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
These vibrant tacos feature roasted sweet potatoes and lima butter beans, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful meal.
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil and chili powder, then spread on a baking sheet.
- 2. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
- 3. Assemble the tacos by placing the roasted sweet potatoes and lima butter beans in corn tortillas, garnishing with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Lima Butter Bean Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Carrots
A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring lima butter beans, broccoli, and carrots, tossed in a savory soy sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner.
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- 2. Add the broccoli and carrots, stir-frying for about 5 minutes until tender.
- 3. Stir in the cooked lima butter beans and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.
Creamy Lima Butter Bean Soup
A comforting and creamy soup made with lima butter beans, blended to perfection and garnished with fresh herbs for a wholesome meal.
- 2 cups cooked lima butter beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- 2. Add the cooked lima butter beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.
- 3. Blend the soup until smooth, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Lima Butter Bean and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
These colorful stuffed peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of lima butter beans, spinach, and quinoa, baked to perfection.
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the lima butter beans, quinoa, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Stuff the halved bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top.
- 3. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Lima Butter Bean and Tomato Pasta
A quick and healthy pasta dish featuring lima butter beans, fresh tomatoes, and basil, tossed in a light olive oil sauce.
- 8 oz whole grain pasta
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the cherry tomatoes, cooking until they begin to soften.
- 3. Stir in the cooked lima butter beans and pasta, tossing to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil before serving.
Lima Butter Bean and Corn Fritters
Crispy and flavorful fritters made with lima butter beans and sweet corn, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- 1 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 1. In a bowl, mash the lima butter beans and mix in the corn, flour, egg, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet, flattening slightly.
- 3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Lima Butter Bean and Kale Smoothie
A nutrient-packed smoothie combining lima butter beans, kale, banana, and almond milk for a healthy breakfast or snack.
- 1/2 cup cooked lima butter beans
- 1 cup kale, stems removed
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1. In a blender, combine the cooked lima butter beans, kale, banana, almond milk, almond butter, and honey.
- 2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- 3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are lima butter beans?
Lima butter beans are a type of legume known for their flat, oval shape and creamy texture, often used in various dishes.
How do you cook lima butter beans?
Soak dried beans overnight, then boil them for about 30-45 minutes until tender.
Are lima butter beans healthy?
Yes, they are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
Can you eat lima butter beans raw?
No, raw lima beans contain toxins that can be harmful; they must be cooked properly.
What dishes can I make with lima butter beans?
They can be used in soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish.
How do lima butter beans compare to other beans?
Lima beans are creamier and have a slightly sweeter taste compared to other beans like black or kidney beans.
Are there any allergies associated with lima butter beans?
While rare, some individuals may have allergies to legumes, including lima beans.
How should I store cooked lima butter beans?
Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.