Baby Lima Beans Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Baby lima beans are a delightful, nutrient-rich legume that often fly under the radar in vegan kitchens. Their creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor make them incredibly versatile for a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to fresh salads.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, incorporating baby lima beans into your meals can boost your protein intake and add a satisfying element to your diet. In this post, we’ll explore several delicious baby lima beans vegan recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

These recipes will inspire you to transform this humble bean into vibrant, flavorful meals that everyone will love.

From comforting soups to refreshing side dishes, baby lima beans shine in every form. Plus, they are budget-friendly and widely available, making them a fantastic pantry staple.

Get ready to elevate your plant-based cooking with these creative and nourishing recipes that highlight the best of baby lima beans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baby lima beans are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium.

These beans provide a creamy, buttery texture that enhances the mouthfeel of any dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Our recipes are designed to be simple yet flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking. They also cater to a wide range of tastes, whether you prefer spicy, savory, or fresh and light dishes.

Plus, these vegan recipes are naturally gluten-free and free from processed ingredients, ensuring a clean, wholesome meal.

By using baby lima beans, you’re adding a sustainable ingredient to your diet that supports heart health, digestive wellness, and sustained energy levels. And the best part?

These dishes are crowd-pleasers, ideal for family dinners or potlucks!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried baby lima beans (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Colander
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried baby lima beans, place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Cook the beans: Transfer the soaked beans to a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Combine beans and broth: Add the cooked baby lima beans back into the pot along with the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Season and finish: Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the beans, or transfer a portion to a blender and puree, then return to the pot.
7. Add brightness: Stir in lemon juice if using, to add a fresh, tangy note.
8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking dried beans overnight not only shortens cooking time but also improves digestibility and reduces gas.”

• For a smoky twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the simmering step.
• Try substituting vegetable broth with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
• Add chopped kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added greens.
• Use canned baby lima beans for a quick version; just reduce cooking time accordingly.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
• For a Mediterranean flair, finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Baby lima bean stew pairs beautifully with a variety of vegan sides. Serve it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

You can also enjoy it alongside crusty bread, such as the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe (veganized, of course).

For a lighter option, toss baby lima beans in a refreshing salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing. This makes a perfect summertime lunch or picnic dish.

Looking for more ways to incorporate beans into your vegan meals? Check out the Half Runner Beans Recipe for another delicious plant-based legume dish.

Conclusion

Baby lima beans are an excellent ingredient to keep on hand for anyone embracing vegan cooking. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them a versatile base for countless dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

The recipes shared here highlight how easy it is to transform these humble beans into hearty stews, fresh salads, and comforting meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these baby lima bean recipes offer wholesome goodness that’s easy to prepare and customize. Experiment with the spices and additional veggies to find your perfect flavor combination.

Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a quick plant-based dinner or the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the creamy, delicious world of baby lima beans!

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