Christmas Lima Beans Recipe

Christmas Lima Beans, also known as cranberry beans, are a beautiful variety of heirloom bean with a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly speckled appearance. Unlike regular lima beans, Christmas limas have a smoother texture and a hint of sweetness that makes them perfect for stews, soups, and casseroles. This Christmas Lima Bean Stew recipe is a great way to showcase the unique flavor of these beans. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried Christmas lima beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Soak the dried Christmas lima beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse them before using.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened. Add garlic, chopped celery, and carrots and cook for another few minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, dried herbs, and chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add the drained Christmas lima beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
5. Serve the stew hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and crusty bread for dipping.