Speckled Butter Beans
Speckled Butter Beans, renowned as baby lima beans, offer a creamy texture and distinctive flavor, elevating Southern cuisine favorites.
Servings: 4
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups speckled butter beans, dried or fresh
- 4 cups water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ham hock or smoked turkey for added flavor
Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Over medium heat in a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir and cook for another minute by adding in minced garlic.
- Along with water add the soaked or fresh beans to the pot. If using a ham hock or smoked turkey, add it at this stage.
- Bring the blend to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
- After the beans have finished cooking, add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remove any meat bones if used.
- Using a wooden spoon, gently mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to create a thicker consistency.
- Serve the speckled butter beans warm as a side dish or as part of a main course.