Christmas Lima Beans Instant Pot Recipe Vegan Delight

Updated On: October 8, 2025

The holiday season is all about warmth, comfort, and sharing delicious meals with loved ones. If you’re looking for a vegan side dish that brings festive cheer and hearty flavors to your Christmas table, this Christmas Lima Beans Instant Pot recipe is the perfect choice.

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are creamy, satisfying, and packed with protein and fiber. When combined with aromatic herbs, savory vegetables, and a few simple spices, they create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will enjoy – vegans and non-vegans alike.

Using the Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick, freeing up your oven and stove for other holiday preparations. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste buds, and the vibrant colors add a festive flair to your Christmas spread.

Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this vegan lima beans recipe will become a new holiday favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Lima Beans Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer for holiday cooking. First, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible for guests with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.

The Instant Pot reduces cooking time dramatically while preserving the creamy texture of the lima beans.

What’s more, the dish is highly nutritious, delivering plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins in every serving. The blend of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves evokes classic holiday aromas that bring festive warmth to your meal.

This dish is incredibly versatile as a side or even a main course when paired with grains or greens.

Finally, the recipe requires minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on other holiday preparations or simply relax and enjoy the season. If you love wholesome, comforting food with a holiday twist, this lima beans recipe is made for you!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dried lima beans (soaked overnight or quick soaked)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for warmth)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander (for rinsing and draining beans)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lima beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water or use the quick soak method by boiling for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans well before cooking.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add beans, broth, and tomatoes: Pour in the soaked lima beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and add the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.
  5. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  6. Check and adjust seasoning: Open the lid and stir the beans. The mixture should be creamy but not mushy. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove the bay leaf and transfer the lima beans to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce or a dash of liquid smoke during the cooking process.”

  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste. Add them after cooking to preserve their flavor.
  • Swap out the vegetable broth for mushroom broth for a deeper umami experience.
  • Add chopped kale or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrients.
  • For a spicy twist, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
  • If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook the beans on the stovetop by simmering soaked beans in broth for 1-1.5 hours until tender.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 210
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 35g
Dietary Fiber 11g
Fat 4g
Sodium 350mg
Vitamin A 25% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Lima Beans Instant Pot recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of festive dishes. Serve it alongside roasted winter vegetables or a hearty vegan loaf for a complete holiday meal.

For a traditional Southern flair, try it with cornbread or sweet potato casserole. You can also spoon the lima beans over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to create a nourishing vegan main dish.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a deliciously sweet side or our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a comforting main course option.

Conclusion

Preparing a vegan Christmas meal that’s both satisfying and festive can sometimes be a challenge, but this Instant Pot lima beans recipe makes it easy and delicious. The creamy texture, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients come together to create a side dish that complements any holiday feast.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe offers a nutritious and flavorful addition to your Christmas table.

Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to experiment with the suggested variations to make this dish uniquely yours.

We hope this Christmas lima beans recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your holiday cooking repertoire!

For more tasty vegan and holiday recipes, explore our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe or indulge in something sweet with our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Lima Beans Instant Pot Recipe Vegan

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan lima bean dish perfect for the holiday season. Made quickly in the Instant Pot with festive spices and vegetables.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried lima beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Instructions

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add lima beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices.
  4. Close lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 20 minutes.
  5. Quick release pressure and open lid carefully.
  6. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and let wilt for 2 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 35g

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Marta K

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