Christmas Lima Beans Recipe Vegan Ideas for Festive Meals

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the table with family and friends, enjoying warm, comforting dishes that celebrate tradition and togetherness. One classic side dish that deserves a fresh, vegan twist this Christmas is lima beans.

Often overlooked, lima beans are creamy, nutrient-packed, and have a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with festive herbs and spices. This Christmas lima beans recipe vegan is a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients, infused with holiday flavors that will make it a star on your holiday menu.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply wanting to add more plant-based options to your Christmas feast, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of rich, savory goodness. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the hearty texture and the festive aroma that fills your kitchen.

Plus, lima beans are packed with protein and fiber, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this vibrant and flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a new holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Christmas lima beans recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with festive flair. Lima beans are naturally creamy, and when cooked with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic, they transform into an irresistible holiday side dish.

It’s not just about taste — this recipe is also incredibly nutritious and budget-friendly. Lima beans are a great source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber, perfect for keeping you full and satisfied during the busy holiday season.

Moreover, it’s gluten-free and allergy-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Another reason you’ll love it? It pairs well with almost any main course, from roasted vegetables to festive nut roasts.

Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the holidays without last-minute cooking stress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lima beans (or 4 cups cooked lima beans, canned and drained)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for a subtle sweetness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots (optional, for added texture and color)
• 1/2 cup celery, diced (optional)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans, if using dried)
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander (for draining beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lima beans: If using dried lima beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse again. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them well.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the lima beans and liquids: Add the soaked (or canned) lima beans to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the vegetable broth. Mix everything well to combine.
5. Simmer the beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour if using dried beans, or 20-25 minutes if using canned, stirring occasionally. The beans should be soft and creamy but not mushy.
6. Season and sweeten: Add salt and pepper to taste. For a subtle holiday sweetness, stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup if desired. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Finish and garnish: Once the beans are tender and the flavors are well blended, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, try mashing a few of the beans with the back of your spoon before serving.”

• Make it smoky: Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt for a deeper flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Herb swaps: Use fresh herbs instead of dried, such as fresh rosemary and thyme, but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
• Use canned beans: For a quicker version, canned lima beans work well. Just reduce cooking time and add the beans later to avoid overcooking.
• Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a crunchy texture and festive touch.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream right before serving for extra richness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan lima beans dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many holiday mains and sides. Serve it alongside roasted winter vegetables or a hearty nut roast for a wholesome, plant-based feast.

It also makes a delicious filling for vegan wraps or as a side to grain bowls featuring quinoa or wild rice.

For a Southern-inspired Christmas meal, pair it with cornbread or a vegan version of mac and cheese. You can also add a dollop of vegan sour cream or sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for some extra texture.

Looking for more festive side dishes? Check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a vibrant complement to this dish.

Conclusion

This Christmas lima beans recipe vegan is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of the holiday spirit through wholesome, comforting food. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant herbs bring warmth to your Christmas table, satisfying vegans and non-vegans alike.

The best part? It’s easy to prepare ahead, freeing up your time for holiday festivities.

Incorporate this recipe into your Christmas menu and watch it become a beloved tradition. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet family dinner, these lima beans will add a hearty, festive touch that everyone will appreciate.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe or the indulgent yet dairy-free Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe to complete your holiday feast with variety and flavor.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Christmas Lima Beans Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive and hearty lima beans dish perfect for a vegan Christmas meal. Packed with savory herbs and a touch of warmth from smoked paprika.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups dried lima beans, soaked overnight”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried rosemary”, “1 bay leaf”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 cup diced tomatoes”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked lima beans.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lima beans, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}