how to cook fresh lima beans

Brunswick Stew

This classic Southern stew came about to stretch whatever people had on hand, so it works well to clean out your fridge too. Use chicken parts, red skin potatoes, lima beans, and corn in a satisfying tomato broth to make this version. Serve with biscuits to soak up every last drop.

Creamed Lima Beans

Baby Lima Beans in Cream. Photo: Diana Rattray

Steakhouse fans already know the magic of creamed spinach, but you're in for a treat if you've never applied the technique to lima beans. Adding cream and butter just emphasizes the already silky texture in either canned or frozen lima beans.

Succotash with Okra

okra, corn, lima bean succotash with tomatoes — Diana Rattray

Fresh and colorful succotash makes the most of summer's best produce, with corn, tomatoes, fresh lima beans, and okra. If they aren't in season yet, canned petite diced tomatoes and frozen corn, beans, and okra will work. Those who don't enjoy the texture of boiled okra may enjoy roasting it instead.

Creamy Succotash

You may already have the ingredients for this simple and creamy blend of lima beans, corn, and bell peppers. Frozen lima beans and either fresh or frozen corn works, depending on the season. This succotash recipe makes enough for six servings, but it scales up easily for a large gathering or potluck.

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Lima Bean Soup with Ham

This ham, lima bean, and vegetable soup has enough staying power to serve as a main dish, and works well with frozen lima beans. If you only have dried, soak and cook them before adding them to the soup. It lends itself well to variation, so swap out the ham for sausage, use different veggies, or switch up the seasonings.

Lima Bean Dip

This Peruvian dip makes a great substitute for guacamole with lime juice, cumin, and Sazón Goya seasoning highlighting the creamy, buttery beans. Try it with tortilla or pita chips, spread on toast or a sandwich, or as a base for vegetable pizza.

Slow Cooker Baby Lima Beans

Adding a ham bone and diced ham to baby lima beans, along with some Cajun seasoning and onion, gives the tender lima beans plenty of Southern flavor. The beans do need to soak overnight before spending 2-3 hours in the slow cooker, so plan ahead.

Baked Succotash Casserole

Corn and Lima Bean Bake — Philip Dowell/Getty Images

Try succotash components in a whole new way with this baked recipe. Canned corn and lima beans blended with shredded cheese, milk, and eggs get topped with a buttery Saltine cracker crust for a bubbly, warming dish that makes the most of pantry staples.

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Kentucky Burgoo Stew

Kentucky burgoo recipe — The Spruce Eats / Katarina Zunic

The origin of this comforting stew's name is under some dispute, but you can't deny the flavor. Lima beans, cabbage, corn, peppers, carrots, okra, and both chicken and beef stew meat cook up into a delicious meal.

Solterito Corn and Lima Bean Salad

This Peruvian salad combines creamy lima beans, salty olives, zesty red onion, and creamy queso fresca cheese with a little spicy chile and a simple red wine vinaigrette for a lovely spring or summer side. It just gets better as it sits, so make a big batch to have on hand.