Side Dish Recipe: Greek-Style Lima Beans
A few years ago, our attitude toward Brussels sprouts hadn’t changed since childhood. In other words, we didn’t want anything to do with them. But they’ve enjoyed a bit of a resurgence,
to put it mildly
Personally, I’ve never had a problem with lima beans and happily ate them as a child, but I seem to be in the minority on this one. They’re not so different from other types of beans, though, with a wonderful buttery texture. I think their inclusion in often overcooked and unseasoned medleys of steamed frozen vegetables has contributed to their bad reputation.
I found this recipe in Gourmet Today, which includes not one, but two delicious-sounding lima bean preparations. The other combines them with corn in a chive cream sauce. Yum. But I couldn’t pass up these fresh and simple Greek-style beans. I added some mint, lemon zest and feta cheese to make the dish even more flavorful.
If you can find fresh lima beans, by all means use them. Otherwise, the frozen ones will work just fine.
Greek-Style Lima Beans
Serves 4
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1
(10-ounce) package frozen baby lima beans
- 1 cup
water
- 3 tablespoons
olive oil
- 3 tablespoons
flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons
fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves
garlic, minced
- 1
lemon, zested
- 1 ounce
feta cheese
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and garlic. Allow garlic to soften for about 1 minute. Mix in the lima beans, water, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon mint and a three-fingered pinch of salt. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and cook for 17 to 20 minutes until beans are tender.
Remove from heat and mix in remaining herbs, lemon zest and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and crumble feta on top.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Gourmet Today.
Related: Ingredient Spotlight: Christmas Lima Beans
(Images: Joanna Miller)