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04/20/2011 National Lima Bean Respect Day Country Lima Beans

Source of Recipe

My Recipes


Recipe Introduction

Today is a day to have some respect for lima beans. After all, what have they ever done to you? Lima beans are extremely healthy vegetables. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are also low in fat and they contain protease inhibitors that stall the development of cancerous cells. Did you know that lima beans are named after Lima, Peru where they are grown? They have been cultivated there since 6000 B.C. Large lima beans are flat and greenish-white in color. They also have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture. Green baby lima beans are popularly used in Japan for making desserts from bean paste known as "an." Fresh lima beans are difficult to find in the United States; they are usually dried, canned, or frozen. They can, however, be occasionally found in farmers markets. To celebrate Lima Bean Respect Day, enjoy some tasty lima beans cooked your favorite way!

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 04/20/2011 National Lima Bean Respect Day Country Lima Beans



Country Lima Beans


2 cups dried lima beans (about 1 pound)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 bacon slices, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped carrot
2 cups water
2 tablespoons butter, softened


Recipe



• Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; cover and let stand 8 hours or overnight. Drain the beans. Return beans to pan; stir in salt and pepper.

• Preheat oven to 300°.

• Cook bacon slices in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon; set bacon aside. Add onion and carrot to drippings in pan; sauté 5 minutes or until golden. Add onion mixture, bacon, 2 cups water, and butter to bean mixture in Dutch oven; stir well. Cover and bake at 300° for 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring every hour