Mediterranean Style Baked Lima Beans Recipe

Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables Recipe - Care2

Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables Recipe

Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables

This Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables recipe is a delightful and nutritious option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet. Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Paired with a variety of vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 zucchini, diced

- 1 cup vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Drain and rinse the soaked lima beans.

3. In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.

5. Add the diced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened.

6. Stir in the soaked lima beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

7. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.

8. Bake for 1 hour, or until the lima beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Prepare:

This Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables recipe is straightforward to prepare. Start by soaking the dried lima beans overnight. This step helps to soften the beans and reduce the cooking time. Once the beans are soaked, drain and rinse them.

In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the diced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened.

Next, stir in the soaked lima beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for 1 hour or until the lima beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables recipe is approximately 30 minutes, excluding the overnight soaking of the lima beans. The dish requires 1 hour of baking time in the oven.

Servings:

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts:

Amount Per Serving:

- Calories: 250

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Sodium: 300mg

- Total Carbohydrate: 39g

- Dietary Fiber: 12g

- Sugars: 7g

- Protein: 11g

Tips:

- Soaking the lima beans overnight helps reduce their cooking time and ensures they are tender when baked.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe based on your preference. You can add or substitute with other vegetables such as green beans or corn.

- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash some of the lima beans while stirring during baking.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned lima beans instead of dried ones?

A: Yes, you can use canned lima beans. However, the cooking time will be reduced as canned beans are already cooked. Make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before using them in the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables recipe. Let the dish cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat in the oven or on the stove.

Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked bacon or diced chicken to the dish. Simply cook the bacon or chicken separately before adding it to the pot of sautéed vegetables and lima beans.

This Baked Lima Beans & Vegetables recipe is a flavorsome and nutritious option for a wholesome meal. The combination of lima beans and a variety of vegetables provides a good balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or simply enjoy incorporating plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.