Grocery
Baby Lima Beans
What it is
These are tender, young lima beans, also known as butter beans. They have a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike mature lima beans, baby limas are smaller and have a smoother mouthfeel. Their delicate nature makes them versatile in many dishes.
How people cook with it
Baby lima beans are a wonderful addition to many meals, offering a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Added to stews and soups
- Mixed into casseroles
- Served as a side dish
- Blended into dips
When using frozen baby lima beans, you can often add them directly to your cooking without thawing. They cook relatively quickly, usually needing about 5 to 10 minutes of simmering in soups, stews, or sauces. If you are serving them as a simple side, boiling them for a few minutes until tender is sufficient. They can also be sautéed with herbs and butter for a quick and flavorful accompaniment to main courses. Their creamy texture makes them a good base for purees or dips.
How it differs from similar foods
Baby lima beans are distinguished by their smaller size and more delicate, creamy texture compared to larger, mature lima beans. Mature limas tend to be starchier and have a firmer bite, requiring longer cooking times. Baby limas cook faster and offer a smoother mouthfeel.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a versatile and mild-tasting legume will appreciate baby lima beans.
How to keep the rest
If you have leftover cooked baby lima beans, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. For unopened packages of frozen or canned beans, follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Keep frozen beans in the freezer until ready to use.