Dear friends, RecipeArt welcomes you once again. Today I will discuss a nutritious and flavorful Speckled Butter Beans Recipe. These beans are also known as lima beans and are used in a variety of dishes because of their buttery texture and rich flavor. Speckled Butter Beans are a plant-based source of protein with a delicious taste. Whether you are a pro cook or not, this recipe will help you a lot in making delicious Speckled Butter Beans. So get ready for a delectable journey.
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Preparation Time:
Approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 1 hour.
Recipe Yield:
Approximately 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | Approximately 200 calories |
| Total Fat | 1.5 grams |
| Sodium | 400 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 3 grams |
| Protein | 12 grams |
**These values are not the actual values, these are the approximate value. It’s always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the packaging of the ingredients you use for the most accurate values.
Ingredients for making Speckled Butter Beans Recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Dried speckled butter beans | 1 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 3 cups |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 small size |
| Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
| Diced carrot | 1 Medium Size |
| Diced stalk | 1 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | As per taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Rinse the dried speckled butter beans under cold water, removing any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight. This process helps soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse them once again. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add the soaked speckled butter beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf for extra flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
Speckled butter beans are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your creativity:
Classic Southern Style: Serve the speckled butter beans as a side dish alongside cornbread, collard greens, and grilled chicken for a classic Southern-style meal.
Creamy Dip: Puree the cooked beans with a splash of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve it with pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks for a healthy and delicious snack.
Hearty Stew: Add the cooked speckled butter beans to a vegetable or meat-based stew for an extra dose of creaminess and nutrition. They make a great addition to chili, minestrone, or any hearty stew you love.
Summer Salad: Toss the cooked beans with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing summer salad. It’s a perfect side dish for picnics or barbecues.
Pro Tips:
Soaking the dried speckled butter beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. This step ensures that the beans cook evenly and become tender.
Enhance the flavor of your dish by adding aromatic ingredients like minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. These additions will infuse the beans with a delightful aroma and taste.
It’s best to season the speckled butter beans with salt towards the end of the cooking process. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences without the risk of over-salting the dish.
Conclusion:
Speckled butter beans are not only visually appealing but also a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. By following this simple recipe, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer them as a standalone side dish or as a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes, speckled butter beans are a versatile ingredient that can elevate your creations.
Printable Recipe:
Speckled Butter Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- Dried speckled butter beans 1 cup
- Vegetable broth 3 cups
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Finely chopped onion 1 small size
- Minced garlic 2 cloves
- Diced carrot 1 Medium Size
- Diced stalk 1
- Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf 1
- Salt and pepper As per taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried speckled butter beans under cold water, removing any debris. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight. This process helps soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse them once again. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add the soaked speckled butter beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf for extra flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Notes
2. Enhance the flavor of your dish by adding aromatic ingredients like minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. These additions will infuse the beans with a delightful aroma and taste.
3. It’s best to season the speckled butter beans with salt towards the end of the cooking process. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences without the risk of over-salting the dish.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are speckled butter beans?
Speckled butter beans, also known as sieva beans or lima beans, are a type of legume with a unique speckled appearance on their skin. They have a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. Speckled butter beans are rich in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients.
How do I store speckled butter beans?
Dried speckled butter beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This helps maintain their quality and prevents them from absorbing moisture, which can cause them to spoil. Cooked speckled butter beans should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use canned speckled butter beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned speckled butter beans can be used as a convenient alternative to dried beans. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Canned beans are already cooked, so they require less cooking time. Rinse and drain canned beans before using them in recipes.
Do I need to soak speckled butter beans before cooking?
Soaking dried speckled butter beans overnight is recommended to help soften them and reduce the cooking time. However, if you’re short on time, you can use the “quick soak” method. Simply place the beans in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and let them boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let them soak for 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.
