Limas have long been recognized as being one of the most nutritious legumes, high in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
What Are The Ingredients In Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce constipation.
They also contain iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and antioxidants.
- Fiber: Lima beans provide about 25 percent of your daily recommended intake of fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestive tract functioning properly and promotes regular bowel movements. A diet rich in fiber may also protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and helping with weight management.
- Iron: The amount of iron found in a serving of lima beans is about 1/3 cup cooked or 2 tablespoons dried.
- Vitamin B6: One half cup of cooked lima beans provides about 7% of the daily value of this essential nutrient that plays a role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, DNA replication, nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and immune function. Vitamin B6 has many other functions including promoting the growth and repair of cells, maintaining normal brain activity, and converting homocysteine into methionine so it’s not toxic.
- Copper: Copper deficiency causes fatigue, hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability. Limas are a good source of copper.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes within our bodies, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, bone health, kidney function, digestion, hormone balance, blood pressure regulation, and glucose uptake. It is necessary for more than 300 enzymatic reactions, maintains proper body temperature, and assists in oxygen transport throughout the body.
- Manganese: Manganese is needed for nearly 200 enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions in the human body. These include those responsible for fat breakdown, carbohydrate storage, protein production, and neurotransmitter function. It also supports thyroid function and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is required for building bones, teeth, muscles, nerves, hormones, enzymes, and every single atom in the human body. It helps regulate the heartbeat, regulates fluid levels in the body, contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pH levels, and aids in absorption of calcium from foods.
- Potassium: Potassium is essential for regulating water content and electrolyte concentrations in the body, controlling heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, aiding in muscle contractions, and providing nutrients to all parts of the body.
- Zinc: Zinc is important for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and the development of the immune system. It is essential for numerous metabolic pathways, including DNA synthesis, insulin secretion, and antibody response to infection.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage tissues, increase inflammation, cause cancer, and contribute to aging. Limas are a good source of antioxidant phytochemicals like quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acids, rutin, genistein, luteolin, and anthocyanins.
How Do You Make Lima Bean Soup?
The preparation process starts by soaking dried beans overnight.
The next morning, rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck on their surface.
Then put them into a large pot with water over medium heat.
Bring it to a boil then add salt and pepper until fully dissolved.
Add some chopped garlic and onion and let simmer gently for about 1 hour.
In this time, sautéed mushrooms can also be added along with carrots, celery and bay leaves.
When they’re done cooking, strain out the vegetables and discard before adding back the cooked beans.
Add 2 cups (500ml) of chicken stock and bring up to a boil again.
Once boiling, reduce the temperature to low-medium heat and allow it to cook for another 30 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy! You can always use other vegetables like spinach if you want more nutrients.
Other than that, there isn’t much else you need to know about how to prepare lima bean soup.
Tips for making lima bean soup
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones – It will give your soup a fresher flavor and aroma.
- Use organic foods when possible – Organic food is grown without pesticides which means no harmful chemicals used.
- Make sure to soak your beans first – Before starting to cook, make sure to soak your lima beans overnight so that they don’t get mushy during the cooking process.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans are loaded with nutrients such as folates (B9), magnesium, manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
They also contain lysine and tryptophan, which help boost your immune system.
The United States Department of Agriculture reports that lima beans contain more than 6 grams of dietary fibre per cup.
In contrast to other legumes, lima beans tend to be low on carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their sugar intake.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans are known to be rich sources of dietary fiber, magnesium, folate, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, and vitamin C.
Limas also contain some protein, but not nearly enough to make it a complete source of protein.
However, they do provide about 7 grams per cup (or 1/4 cup).
In addition to their health benefits, limas are very versatile and can be used in any kind of recipes that require them.
They go well with rice or pasta dishes, salads, soups, stews, casseroles, baked goods, desserts, and even sandwiches.
Here’s what you need to know about lima bean soup:
- The texture and taste of lima bean soup depends on how much water has evaporated from the beans during cooking.
- You don’t need to peel the limas before using them in this recipe because peeling will remove nutrients like beta-carotene which are found just under the skin.
- If you want to add more flavor to your lima bean soup, try adding sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, or tomatoes. You may also use fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, or sage.
1. The Benefits of Eating Lima Bean Soup
There is no doubt that lima bean soup is an excellent choice when looking for a healthy and tasty way to eat your vegetables.
It provides a low glycemic index due to its complex carbohydrates, making it a great option for diabetics who are trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
It contains plenty of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and prevents constipation by acting as a laxative.
As mentioned above, lima beans are also a good source of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B 6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
2. How Do I Make Lima Bean Soup?
Making lima bean soup doesn’t take too long at all if you follow these simple steps.
3. What Are the Side Effects of Eating Lima Beans?
Although limas offer many health benefits, there are still some concerns regarding consuming them regularly because they only provide 0.7 gram of protein per half cup serving.
Therefore, people who are following strict vegan diets should avoid them completely.
For those who aren’t concerned about animal welfare or environmental issues, limas are considered safe to consume.
There haven’t been any reports of food poisoning caused by eating limas.
4. How Long Does Lima Bean Soup Keep In Freezer?
Because the shelf life of lima bean soup depends on the type of ingredients used, the method of preparation, and storage conditions, it varies depending on where you buy it.
If you purchase it pre-made, then you should store it according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
When preparing lima bean soup yourself, it is best to freeze it right away so that it retains its quality longer.
Once frozen, the soup can be stored in the freezer up to six months without losing its nutrient content.
5.Why Is Lime So Popular?
People often choose lime over other citrus fruits because it is sweeter than others.
Some believe that lime is better for weight loss because of its ability to reduce hunger pangs while providing energy.
6.Can I Use Frozen Or Dry Limas Instead Of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use either dried or frozen limas instead of fresh ones.
Just keep in mind that dried limas are less flavorful than fresh ones, so you might prefer the latter if you are planning to make a big batch of lima bean soup.
What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans are also known to be a good source of iron and folate which helps with blood cell formation.
They help lower cholesterol levels by slowing down absorption of dietary fat.
In addition, they contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
The following Lima Bean Soup Recipe contains all these nutrients and more! It’s a great way to enjoy this super food while still maintaining your health.
- What do you eat when it’s too cold outside?
- How about some warm and comforting comfort food?
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lima beans
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- ½ pound ham steak, diced
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Sour cream/cream cheese/butter, optional garnish
- Instructions
What Are The Different Flavors Of Lima Bean Soup?
The name “lima bean” comes from Lima, Peru, where this type of bean originated, but they also grow well in other parts of the world such as China, India, Africa, Mexico, and the United States.
Lima beans can be eaten fresh or dried, with their skins on, which makes them less bitter than those that come skinned.
They are available at many supermarkets around the country, and can also be found frozen or canned.
Mashed Limas
- 1 cup cooked lima beans (or 1/4 cup dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of pepper
Mix all ingredients together until creamy. Serve warm.
Split Pea Soup
- 1 cup split peas, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped parsley to serve
Drain the split peas, then combine with the rest of the ingredients except for the parsley.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to simmer and cook about 30 minutes.
Add more water if necessary.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Black Bean Soup
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/8th teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Combine everything except for the seasoning into a pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
Allow it to reduce by half. Season with your favorite herbs and spices.
If you like spicy food, add some cayenne pepper.
Spicy Black Beans
- 1 pound dry black beans
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
Place the beans in a bowl and cover with cold water.
Soak overnight.
Drain and rinse thoroughly.
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
What Are The Different Ways To Make Lima Bean Soup?
There aren’t many ways to prepare lima beans, but there are multiple ways to cook them.
Some of these methods include boiling, steaming, roasting, sautéing, microwaving, simmering, and even baking.
However you decide to consume your limas, they will always be an excellent source of nutrition that can help keep you fit while keeping your diet low on fat and calories.
Boiling
This method involves putting limas into water or stock and bringing it to a boil before reducing heat and allowing them to simmer until tender.
The time required depends on how old the limas were when harvested, so plan accordingly if using fresh ones.
Steaming
If you don’t want to use any cooking liquid, this is another option.
Simply put limas in a pot with some salt and pepper and steam them over medium heat until soft enough to eat.
Steaming works best if you’re looking to get more nutrients from your food without adding much extra fat to the equation.
Roasting
To roast limas, simply toss them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
Roasted limas will be softer than boiled ones, which makes them great for topping salads and other dishes.
Sautéing
When making soup, it’s often necessary to add vegetables that provide flavor, color, and texture.
Limas are no exception to this rule.
Sautéeing limas is a simple process where you remove the skins by blanching them first.
After removing the skins, you then add them to a pan along with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, and whatever spices you like to add.
Microwaving
You may not think limas would work well in a microwave, but trust us—they do.
To prepare lima beans in the microwave, place them in a glass bowl with 1/4 cup of water and cover with plastic wrap.
Microwave for 4-6 minutes per pound (about 2 cups).
You should check after every minute to see if they need more time.
If they begin to look mushy, give them more time in the microwave.
Simmering
Another way to prepare limas is by simmering them.
Place limas in a saucepan filled with cold water and bring to a boil.
Once the water starts boiling, reduce heat slightly and let simmer for 10-15 minutes depending on their size.
Remove the skin and discard before serving.
Baking
Finally, limas also come baked in a variety of forms including cakes, muffins, bread products, cookies, and crackers.
Baked limas tend to retain their shape better and have a higher nutritional value than cooked limas because they are less likely to lose moisture during preparation.
The lima bean has been around since ancient times, but it’s only recently that we’ve started enjoying its unique flavor.
It’s now one of our favorite vegetarian options as well because it contains high levels of protein and fiber.
If you want to learn more about this versatile vegetable, read on below to find out what makes lima beans so special.
What Are The Different Types Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans have long been used in many cultures across the world.
They were once considered sacred by Native Americans who believed they had magical properties.
However, today, lima beans are most commonly known for their nutritional benefits.
There are two main varieties of lima beans available – the white and the yellow variety.
The former can be found in supermarkets while the latter can usually only be purchased at specialty markets or online retailers.
There may also be other variations depending on where you live.
You should always choose fresh limas over frozen ones.
If possible, buy them from local farmers rather than relying on large companies like Walmart or Target.
You could even try growing your own if you want to save money.
When shopping for lima beans, look for bright green pods with smooth skin without any signs of damage or bruising.
Avoid purchasing those that feel soft, bruised, or rubbery.
As soon as you get home, rinse them under cold water before proceeding with the next steps.
Once you remove the outer skins, cut off both ends of each pod and discard.
Next, slice open each pod lengthwise and then use your knife to remove the inner seeds.
Finally, soak the remaining part of the pod in cold water until they turn into a creamy paste.
After soaking them overnight, drain the leftover liquid and put them back into a pot.
Add enough water so all the seeds float freely.
Bring everything to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Then, add salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) and turmeric powder (1/8 teaspoon).
Continue cooking the mixture for another 15 minutes.
Afterward, strain the entire contents through cheesecloth using a slotted spoon and set aside.
Next, heat up some oil in a skillet.
When it starts to shimmer, add mustard seeds.
Stir the seeds constantly until they start popping loudly.
At this point, add cumin seeds, followed by asafetida (which gives the soup an earthy smell), fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, ginger, cloves, and red chilies.
Let these ingredients cook together for 30 seconds, stirring continuously so they don’t burn.
Now, add onions and stir-fry them for 2 minutes.
To avoid burning them, reduce the heat slightly after adding them to the pan.
Add tomatoes, coriander, and garam masala and continue to stir-fry it for 3 more minutes.
Lastly, add coconut milk and mix thoroughly.
Cook the mixture for 5 more minutes, making sure not to overcook it so the tomatoes remain firm.
Remove the pan from the stovetop and allow the mixture cool down completely.
Transfer it to a blender along with the strained lima bean paste and blend everything together.
Pour the blended concoction back into the same pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes longer.
Serve it warm topped with chopped cilantro and lime juice.
What Is The Best Way To Eat Lima Bean
Lima beans have a smooth texture with a mild taste.
They can be eaten raw or cooked, either alone or combined with other vegetables like spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and squash.
Limas are also great when they are used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
Here’s how to cook lima beans for maximum health benefits.
- Soak your dried lima beans overnight before cooking them.
- Cooked lima beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- You can enjoy lima beans alone or combine them with different types of vegetables such as spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and squash.
What Are The Ingredients In Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans tend to be an inexpensive source of plant-based proteins, which can help reduce your cost per serving when compared with other meat alternatives.
They also contain plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
If you want to get the most out of lima beans, try adding them to soups or stews instead of using them straight up.
Vegetarian recipes
- Spicy Black Bean Soup
- Black Bean Chili Recipe
- Creamy Green Beans With Bacon
- Roasted Vegetable Chowder
- Mediterranean Chickpeas And Spinach Salad
Other uses
- Beef stew
- Taco salad
- Meatloaf sandwiches
- Fried rice
- Chili mac
- Pork chops
- Potato salad
- Baked potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Salad dressing
- Salsa
How Do You Make Lima Bean Soup?
Lima bean soup recipes vary depending on who’s making them.
Some people like to use canned or frozen limas in their soups while others prefer fresh ones.
The following recipe uses both types of limas.
- To prepare your lima bean soup, first rinse each lima bean under running water to remove any dirt. Then cut them into small pieces by hand or with scissors.
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and garlic and cook them for 2 minutes before adding the chopped limas. Cook the limas for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients except cream cheese and stir everything together. Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- After the lima beans have simmered for 30 minutes, turn off the stove and add the cream cheese. Stir the mixture carefully to mix everything together.
- Serve the lima bean soup immediately after cooking it.
Nutritional benefits of lima bean soup
As mentioned above, lima beans contain many nutrients which can help protect us against certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
They also provide several vitamins including B6, C, K, folate and vitamin E.
Limas are rich in dietary fibers which aid digestion and promote good health.
In addition, they contain minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and manganese.
So if you’re trying to lose weight then lima beans might be just the thing for you.
Limas also contain plenty of antioxidants such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, chlorophyllin, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, quercetin and phytic acid.
These antioxidants act as free radical scavengers which stop harmful molecules from attacking cells and causing damage.
Since these compounds reduce inflammation, they could potentially prevent conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans contain many vitamins and minerals including vitamin B1, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, and niacin.
They also have an abundance of antioxidants like anthocyanins, phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, and saponins which protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
As if all that wasn’t enough, lima beans are packed with soluble fibers that can lower cholesterol while keeping blood sugar stable and reducing risk factors for diabetes.
They also provide plenty of energy which helps keep us active throughout the day, giving us the stamina needed for exercise and playtime.
So whether you’re just looking for something new in your diet or trying to boost your health for any reason, lima bean soup will be right up your alley.
How much lima bean soup should I eat each week?
A serving size of lima bean soup would be anywhere between 1/4 cup to 2 cups per meal depending on how hungry you are at the time.
That being said, there really isn’t such thing as too much lima bean soup.
If you love lima bean soup and don’t mind eating a few extra servings each day, then go ahead and enjoy yourself.
Is lima bean soup vegan?
Yes, lima bean soup is completely free of animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, or fish.
However, it does contain some soy-based ingredients, which means that people who follow strict vegans diets may not be able to consume it without having an adverse reaction.
How do I cook lima bean soup?
- Step One – Wash the lima beans thoroughly under cold water until they feel clean and dry.
- Step Two – Remove the skins by soaking them overnight in a bowl filled with fresh water (or using a food processor). The skins will come off easily once soaked.
- Step Three – Drain the lima beans and rinse again before adding them to a blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
- Step Four – Blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Step Five – Serve immediately or store leftovers in the fridge for later use.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Lima Bean Soup?
Limas have lots of nutritional value.
They are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
The best part is they contain no cholesterol or fat, making them an excellent choice for people who must avoid these substances in their diet.
Limas also provide calcium, iron, folate, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and selenium.
Lima beans are also rich in dietary fiber.
Each half cup serving provides 11 grams of fiber, which helps lower blood sugar levels and keeps your digestive system running smoothly.
In addition, lima beans act like nature’s laxative by stimulating bowel movements.
That means lima beans help prevent constipation while increasing fecal output.
Finally, limas provide plenty of energy because of their high concentration of carbohydrates.
Although limas aren’t considered superfoods (yet), there are some studies supporting the health benefits associated with consuming lima beans regularly.
For example, researchers found that men who consumed at least three servings per week had low rates of heart disease compared to those who ate less than once per month.
On top of that, lima beans were linked to reduced risk of developing cancer.
If you enjoy lima beans, here are several recipes that include them.
What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans have long been associated with pregnancy due to their high content in folate (vitamin B9), which helps prevent neural tube defects during fetal development.
However, they can also be used to treat certain types of cancer, including prostate and kidney cancers.
In fact, lima beans contain compounds called anthocyanins, which help fight off infection by protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Other than that, lima beans are quite low in calories, making them an excellent food choice if you want to lose weight or maintain your current weight.
They’re also rich in vitamins such as vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12.
What Are The Different Flavors Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans have many names depending on where they come from or who cooked them first.
In Mexico, they are called “pepián de gallina,” meaning chick pea.
They may also be referred to as navy beans in some regions.
The name “navy bean” comes from their color which resembles the blue-gray uniforms worn by sailors during World War II.
In the United States, limas are often known as “limas” while in Canada they’re commonly referred to as “green peas” (which actually refers to other varieties).
You can use any name you like when making your lima bean soup recipe – just remember that the name doesn’t matter too much as long as you know how to cook the beans properly.
Because there are several different kinds of limas, each with its own distinct flavor, there are plenty of variations on the classic lima bean soup recipe.
Here are all the various ways to prepare lima bean soup recipes.
What Are The Different Ways To Make Lima Bean Soup?
Lima bean soup can be made in many ways depending on your preference and taste.
You have a few choices when making this delicacy – either using canned or fresh limas, cooking them with or without their pods, and simmering them alone or together with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, chilies, tomatoes, etc.
Here are some of the most common recipes for lima bean soup:
- Canned lima bean soup: If you don’t like the texture of cooked limas, then you can opt for canned lima beans instead. This method will give you a creamy soup with no hassle at all. However, if you love eating lima beans raw, this option won’t work for you.
- Fresh lima bean soup: Freshly cooked limas add an incredible depth of flavor to every sip of lima bean soup. The pod-less limas also provide a rich source of nutrients including iron, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, and niacin. They also contain antioxidants and flavonoids which help prevent cancerous cell growth and boost immunity.
- Cooked green lima bean soup: This type of soup is typically served during the summer months. To prepare this kind of soup, you need to cook green limas first. Then, blend them up and season them accordingly before adding any extra flavors. Another trick for this kind of soup is to use frozen limas for convenience purposes. Simply thaw them and follow the rest of the instructions above.
- Green lima bean and tomato soup: For those who prefer a sweeter soup, try this combination of green lima beans and ripe red tomatoes. Just remember to boil the tomatoes separately from the limas so they retain their shape.
How to make lima bean soup recipe
- Ingredients: 1 pound (454 grams) dried lima beans, 4 cups (1 L) water, 2 medium yellow onions, 3 cloves of garlic, 6 ounces (170 grams) diced bacon, ½ cup (125 ml) olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme leaves, 5 sprigs parsley, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice.
- Step 1: Rinse the limas under cold running water until there is no trace of dirt left. Place the rinsed limas in a large pot and cover them with enough water to completely submerge them. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Boil the limas for 20 minutes. Drain the limas and set aside.
- Step 2: Chop half of the onion into small slices and fry them in a skillet along with the whole clove of garlic. Remove the fried mixture from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up. Once hot, add the rest of the onion pieces and sauté them until soft. Pour the contents of the skillet back into the same pot where the limas were boiled. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add the cooked bacon, the seasoning, the herbs, and the lemon juice to the pot. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool down for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the cooled soup into a blender and puree it until smooth. Serve immediately or freeze it for future consumption.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans have long been known for their ability to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and prevent kidney stones from forming in your urinary tract.
They also contain vitamins like folate, manganese, vitamin B6 and magnesium which play an important role in helping cells produce energy.
This is why many people enjoy eating lima beans raw or cooked into soups, stews and casseroles.
In fact, they can be found at almost any grocery store these days.
Here are some other reasons you should add them to your diet:
- They help boost immunity by protecting against colds, flu, stomach viruses and even cancer. Eating them regularly may help protect you from getting sick with seasonal illnesses such as mononucleosis.
- Lima beans are rich in antioxidants called flavones which fight free radicals in your body and slow down cell damage. These nutrients can help improve brain function, strengthen bones and keep skin looking young.
- High in iron, lima beans can help maintain good red blood cell counts in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Lima beans also contain zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and niacin which all work together to make sure your baby gets enough nutrition during pregnancy.
- You’ll get plenty of fiber in each serving of lima bean soup. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and keeps you feeling full longer between meals. It also reduces your risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers.
What Are The Different Types Of Lima Bean Soup?
Lima beans have been cultivated in many countries across the globe over time, including Peru, India, Mexico, China, Brazil, and North Africa.
There are several varieties of lima beans, each with their own distinct taste and nutritional value.
Here at Chowhound, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular types of lima bean soup recipes available today.
Chili Limas
This type of lima bean soup is often prepared using red chili peppers, which adds an extra kick of heat to your meal.
Chili lima beans can be served hot or cold, depending on how spicy you like them.
In addition to being cooked into a rich stew, they also make a great topping for tacos or nachos.
White Beans & Lima Bean Soup
Here, white beans are blended with lima beans to create a creamy base for your meal.
The key to making this type of lima bean soup is cooking all ingredients separately before combining them together.
White beans will cook down slightly during the process, resulting in a thicker consistency when added back to the pot.
Taco Bell Black Bean Lime Soup
In case you haven’t heard of Taco Bell yet, let us introduce you.
This fast-food chain was founded by Glen Bell in 1952, and now boasts locations throughout the United States and Canada.
If you enjoy Mexican food, you should definitely check out these famous dishes from Taco Bell.
This particular lima bean soup recipe is made with black beans and lime juice instead.
The main difference here is that there aren’t any other vegetables included to give the dish variety.
Instead, black beans are mashed up and mixed with sour cream, cilantro, and spices to produce a flavorful broth.
Poblano Chile Lime Soup
This recipe takes a classic poblano pepper (sometimes called “little green chiles”) and blends it with lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to create a delectable soup.
You might not think of poblanos as a staple ingredient in soups, but they actually make a good substitute for bell peppers if you don’t happen to have fresh ones handy.
Just chop them up and add them to your simmering water along with your other veggies.
What Is The Best Way To Eat Lima Bean
Lima beans can be eaten raw or cooked depending on your preference.
If you like them crunchy, then they should be roasted with salt and pepper before eating.
But if you prefer soft limas then you should steam them first.
However, if you want to enjoy both textures at once then cooking them will do just fine too.
Roasted Limas
- Put lima beans into an oven-proof container such as a baking dish. Add some oil and toss until coated.
- Then add salt and pepper to taste and mix.
- Place onto an oven tray and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius) for approximately 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you could also use a slow cooker instead of an oven.
Steamed Limas
- Soak limas overnight or boil them for 10 minutes.
- Once done, rinse under cold water and drain.
- Add some olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss together and serve warm.
Cooked Limas
- Wash and soak limas overnight or boil them for 15 minutes.
- Drain and put back into pot.
- Add some olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss together and serve hot.
Equipment
- The pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry large lima beans
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 carrots
- 2 leeks
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 2 stalks celery
- 8 cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- 8 cups of water should come to a boil. Boiled lima beans for 5 to 10 minutes after addition. Discard the heat and cover. Give beans a two to five hour soak. Return the rinsed and drained beans to the pot.
- All the vegetables should be sauteed in hot olive oil until the celery and carrots are crisp-tender.
- The beans in the pot should have 8 cups of chicken stock added. the vegetables, please. After combining, simmer for 1.5 hours on low heat while stirring frequently. As desired, add salt and pepper to the dish.
Video
Nutrition
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