Vegetarian Lima Bean Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

Discover the wonderful world of vegetarian lima bean recipes, where hearty nutrition meets vibrant flavors! Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a fantastic plant-based protein source that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting stew, a refreshing salad, or a satisfying side dish, lima beans offer versatility and a creamy texture that will delight your taste buds. Their mild, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables, making them a staple ingredient for healthy, meatless meals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several creative and easy vegetarian lima bean recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Along the way, you’ll learn why lima beans are such a nutritious choice, what equipment you need, and tips for perfecting each dish.

Plus, we’ll share some exciting variations to keep your meals fresh and inspiring. Ready to dive into lima bean goodness?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lima beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They provide a rich source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

This makes them excellent for supporting heart health, digestion, and steady energy levels.

Vegetarian lima bean recipes are great for anyone wanting to eat more plant-forward meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. These recipes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and adaptable to different cuisines and taste preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more legumes to your diet, lima beans offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that blends seamlessly with bold spices and fresh veggies.

Plus, lima beans are incredibly versatile. They can be simmered into soups, mashed for spreads, tossed into salads, or baked in casseroles.

If you’re interested in more flavorful vegetable dishes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for unique inspiration!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lima beans (or 4 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Optional: 1 diced tomato or 1 tablespoon tomato paste for added richness

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander (if using dried beans)
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large bowl (for soaking beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lima beans: If using dried lima beans, rinse them under cold water and soak in a large bowl with enough water to cover for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add spices and seasonings: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release their fragrance.
4. Add lima beans and broth: Pour in the soaked (or canned) lima beans and vegetable broth. If you’re using tomato or tomato paste, add it now. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60-75 minutes if using dried beans, or 30 minutes if canned. Check occasionally, adding more broth or water if the mixture gets too thick or dry.
6. Season to taste: Once the lima beans are tender and creamy, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the lima bean stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy texture, mash a portion of the cooked lima beans before serving.”

• Make it a salad: Cool cooked lima beans, then toss with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a refreshing summer salad.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño during the sauté step for a spicy kick.
• Herb swap: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or basil in place of thyme for different flavor profiles.
• Slow cooker option: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach. For more slow cooker vegetarian ideas, check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
• Add greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Lima bean dishes pair wonderfully with whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur wheat. Serve the stew atop a bed of grains for a filling meal.

You can also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or warm pita to soak up the flavorful broth.

For a Mediterranean flair, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. Or keep it vegan and sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.

This recipe also makes a great filling for stuffed vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. For more creamy sauce ideas to accompany your vegetable dishes, try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Delicious Vegetarian Lima Bean Recipes to Try

Lima Bean and Sweet Potato Curry

This warming curry combines creamy lima beans with sweet potatoes and coconut milk. Infused with turmeric, ginger, and coriander, it’s perfect served over basmati rice.

For more Indian-inspired vegetarian recipes, visit Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.

• 1 cup cooked lima beans
• 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in sweet potato, lima beans, and coconut milk.
4. Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and serve with rice.

Lima Bean Hummus

A creamy, protein-packed twist on traditional hummus, using lima beans instead of chickpeas. Perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwiches.

• 1 cup cooked lima beans
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water as needed

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water to reach desired consistency.
3. Adjust seasoning and serve with fresh veggies or pita.

Lima Bean and Vegetable Stew

A hearty, comforting stew packed with lima beans, tomatoes, carrots, and kale. Perfect for chilly evenings and meal prep.

• 2 cups cooked lima beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onion and carrots in olive oil until softened.
2. Add smoked paprika, tomatoes, broth, and lima beans.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in kale.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes until kale wilts.
5. Season and serve hot.

Conclusion

Vegetarian lima bean recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy nutritious, plant-based meals that satisfy both the palate and the body. With their creamy texture and mild taste, lima beans make a versatile ingredient in everything from stews and curries to spreads and salads.

These recipes are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to many dietary preferences, making them perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.

Incorporating lima beans into your diet not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also opens up a world of culinary creativity. Whether you prefer a spicy curry, a comforting stew, or a smooth hummus, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Be sure to explore more vegetarian delights like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to round out your plant-based cooking repertoire!

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