How to Use Butter Beans

Butter beans are high in fiber, protein and iron.

Butter beans, more commonly called lima beans, are flat, curved beans that are a pale green and grow in pods approximately 3-inches long. They are high in dietary fiber, folate, protein and iron. You can grow butter beans to eat fresh, or buy them frozen, canned or dried. Butter beans work well with a variety of dishes and seasonings.

Things You'll Need

• Butter beans
• Pan

Instructions

Using Dried Butter Beans

1. Soak 1 cup of dried butter beans in 2 to 3 cups of water for at least eight hours or overnight to reduce sugars that cause flatulence.

2. Pour butter beans into a colander to remove soaking water and rinse with fresh water.

3. Pour beans back into pot and add another 3 cups of water for each cup of beans. Do not add salt or acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, or the cooking time will greatly increase.

4. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce to a simmer. Simmer for at least 45 minutes or until beans are tender.

6. Pour butter beans through a strainer again and rinse to remove cooking water.

7. Season beans and add to soups or other dishes.

Using Fresh Butter Beans

1. Squeeze sides of butter bean pods together to open at the seam.

2. Pull individual butter beans free of the pod.

3. Season as desired.

4. Add to recipe, eat fresh or heat as desired.

Frozen or Canned Butter Beans

1. Add frozen or canned beans directly into soups or other dishes before heating, or pour beans into a small pot.

2. Add seasonings, such as salt or soy sauce, as desired.

3. Turn stove to medium.

4. Heat beans until thawed or desired temperature, stirring frequently.

References

• The World's Healthiest Foods: Lima Beans