Cooking Tips for Perfect Baby Lima Beans: Step-by-Step Guide
Baby lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a tender and sweet vegetable that are versatile and delicious in many recipes. Whether you choose to prepare them as a side dish, in salads, or as part of a larger casserole, this guide will walk you through the best methods to cook baby lima beans to perfection.
Method 1: Cooking Basic Baby Lima Beans
The first method involves soaking and simmering. Start by preparing one cup (236.6 g) of lima beans by spreading them out on a pan or towel and picking through them for any shriveled or broken beans as well as debris. Rinse the beans in cold water, either with your hands or using a colander for easier rinsing.
Next, place the lima beans into a bowl and cover them with two or three inches (5.1 or 7.6 cm) of room temperature water. Allow the beans to soak overnight, or at least for eight hours if you cannot wait that long. If your kitchen is very warm, consider soaking the beans in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Drain the beans and rinse them again with cold water. This soaking process helps to remove indigestible sugars, making the beans easier to digest.
After soaking, place the beans in a saucepan and cover them with four cups (946.4 mL) of water for a one-cup batch of beans. The water should cover the beans by about an inch or two (2.5 or 5.1 cm). If you are cooking more than one cup of beans, add an additional four cups of water for each additional cup of beans.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for approximately 45 minutes. For those using a pressure cooker, allow the beans to cook for three to five minutes. Finally, serve the beans as a side dish, mixed into salads, soups, or casseroles. For flavor, add a small amount of butter and pepper. Fresh baby lima beans can last up to one week when stored in a refrigerated area, but cooked beans should be consumed within a day, even when refrigerated.
Method 2: Seasoned Baby Lima Beans
For a more flavorful option, try these seasoned baby lima beans. Start by washing a two-pound or a ten-ounce package of fresh beans or a frozen package. Make sure there is no debris or broken beans. Wash the beans under cold water and drain any excess water.
In a saucepan, add two cups (473.2 mL) of water and one tablespoon (2.47 mL) of salt. Pour the beans into the pan and place the saucepan on medium heat. Cook the beans until they are tender, which usually takes around thirty minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain the excess liquid and add two tablespoons of butter to the beans. Stir slightly to combine. You can also sprinkle some black pepper over the top for an extra kick. These freshly cooked beans can be enjoyed as soon as they are done.
Method 3: Chicken Broth Baby Lima Beans
A unique and flavorful option is to cook your baby lima beans in chicken broth. Start by preheating a large saucepan on medium heat and spray it with cooking spray. Sauté one half of a finely chopped onion until they become soft and translucent, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Pour one cup (354.9 mL) of chicken broth into the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once the broth starts boiling, turn the heat down to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the beans to simmer for about thirty minutes until they are tender. This method is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a hearty and flavorful side dish.
Feel free to store the cooked beans in the refrigerator, but they will be best within a few days. These three methods ensure that you can prepare baby lima beans to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, making them a versatile addition to any meal.