Classic Lima Beans and Ham Recipe

Enjoy the comforting flavors of tender lima beans and savory ham in this classic recipe. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch, this dish is sure to satisfy. With a preparation time of just 45 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried lima beans
• 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the dried lima beans and remove any debris or damaged beans.
2. In a large pot, place the lima beans and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the ham hock or diced ham, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the ham is slightly browned.
5. Add the cooked lima beans back to the pot, along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are soft and the flavors are well combined.
7. Remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used) from the pot. If using a ham hock, remove the meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
8. Serve the lima beans and ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Interesting Facts