Creamy Southern Butter Beans with Smoky Bacon

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what the difference is? honestly, i used to get confused! this recipe dives into the world of butter beans vs lima beans with a creamy, smoky southern dish that’ll knock your socks off.

Get ready for flavour!

Brief Overview

This southern-style butter beans (also known as lima beans) recipe is pure comfort. it is a hearty dish with cultural roots, transforming humble beans into something special.

It is easy to make, taking about an hour from start to finish. this recipe serves 4-6 people, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with fibre and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. it's amazing for a cosy sunday supper or even a quick weeknight dinner.

What makes it special? the smoky bacon and creamy texture combo takes it to the next level.

Ready to dig in? Let's talk ingredients.

Creamy Southern Butter Beans with Smoky Bacon Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 4 slices bacon, diced (approx. 100g / 3.5 oz)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound dried butter beans (lima beans), soaked overnight and drained (approx. 450g)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) (approx. 950 ml)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (approx. 120 ml)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

• Sauté diced bacon in the pot until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered bacon fat in the pot.
• Add olive oil (if needed) to the bacon fat in the pot. Sauté chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add soaked and drained butter beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Check liquid levels and add more broth if necessary.
• Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and reserved bacon. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:10g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish, Main Course

Cuisine:Southern

All About Those Beans

You know, sometimes I think folks get hung up on fancy ingredients. But this recipe proves that simple is best. It highlights the beauty of humble ingredients like beans .

Now, you might be asking, what are the main elements we need? Let's start with what makes it work:

• Olive Oil
• Bacon
• Onion
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Smoked Paprika
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lima Beans or Butter Beans
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaf
• Heavy cream
• Parsley

Time to Get Cooking

This is where the magic happens.

First, get that bacon crispy. that's crucial! then, you'll build your aromatic base. seriously, don’t skimp on the garlic! add the beans and broth, and let it simmer until creamy.

I remember the first time i made this, i almost forgot the bay leaf. don't make my mistake! also, if you like your food spicy, add a bit of red pepper flakes.

Looking to make your beans side dish a little different? Think about adding some leeks .

Finish with Flair

Once the beans are tender, it’s time for the pièce de résistance : heavy cream! stir it in, and let it simmer for a bit to meld everything together.

I use fresh parsley, that makes it more sophisticated. this recipe is a game changer. the smoky bacon, the creamy beans – it's a hug in a bowl! if you are vegan, use coconut cream.

Enjoy this dish!

Alright, y'all ready to dive into the heart of this creamy southern butter beans (or lima beans) with smoky bacon dish? honestly, it's easier than falling off a log.

Let's gather the essentials!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Bean Rundown

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use something decent!
• Bacon: 4 slices , diced (about 100g / 3.5 oz). Go for smoky, thick-cut bacon if you can.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (around 150g).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . This is where the magic happens, folks!
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick).
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
• Butter beans vs lima beans : They're the same thing, technically. 1 pound dried (approx. 450g), soaked overnight. Soaking is key, trust me.
• Chicken broth: 4 cups (approx. 950 ml). Veggie broth works too!
• Bay leaf: 1 . It adds a subtle, earthy flavor. Don't forget to remove it before serving!
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (approx. 120 ml). For that creamy goodness.
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

This recipe is a blank canvas for your taste buds. we need those essential spice combinations to dance in harmony.

Smoked paprika is your best friend here. you can also experiment with other flavor enhancers and aromatics , like a pinch of cumin or a dash of worcestershire sauce.

If you don't have smoked paprika (gasp!), use regular paprika and a tiny drop of liquid smoke as a quick substitution option .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need a ton of fancy gadgets. a big pot or a dutch oven is essential. you'll need a cutting board and a decent chef's knife for chopping.

A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. if you don't have a fancy dutch oven, any large, heavy-bottomed pot will do.

Seriously, folks, keep it simple! and for those looking to include leek dishes into their routines consider making this recipe alongside a colcannon recipe with leeks .

Honestly, butter bean recipes are surprisingly versatile. now, i remember when i first tried making these beans... i forgot to soak them overnight! what a disaster.

They took forever to cook, and they were never quite as creamy as i wanted. learn from my mistakes, people! the benefit for this is that this is a recipe that can be easily adapted as beans recipes or beans side dish , if you are looking for leeks recipe side dishes this is a good one.

So, gear up and go for it. these creamy butter beans vs lima beans , however you know them, will surely give a new flavor to your meals.

Enjoy your zingy peas and butter bean bowl

Alright, let's talk butter beans vs lima beans . honestly, it's mostly a regional thing, innit? same bean, different names, like calling chips "fries" in the states.

You know? we're diving into a dish that's proper comfort food, southern style. think grandma's cooking, simple but packed with flavour.

Creamy Southern Butter Beans (Lima Beans) with Smoky Bacon: Your New Favourite Side!

This isn't just another beans side dish . this is the side dish. we're taking humble butter beans (or lima beans, whatever you call 'em) and turning them into something seriously special.

This recipe transforms what might be bland into creamy, smoky perfection. perfect alongside pork chops or even as a hearty vegetarian main.

It's so good, you'll feel like you've teleported to a southern porch swing!

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential Mise en Place: Get your ingredients chopped and measured before you start. Dice 4 slices of bacon , chop 1 medium yellow onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic . Trust me, it makes life easier!
• Time-Saving Tip: Soak 1 pound dried butter beans overnight. It cuts down cooking time massively .
• Safety First: Don't be a muppet, be careful with knives!

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Crispy Bacon: Sauté the diced bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, saving that glorious bacon fat.
2. Aromatics: Sauté the onion in the bacon fat until softened. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you fancy a kick). Cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. Beans and Broth: Add soaked beans, 4 cups chicken broth , and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer Time: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes . Check tenderness; beans should break easily when pressed.
5. Creamy Finish: Remove bay leaf. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and the reserved bacon. Simmer for another 5 minutes . Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley .

Pro Tips From Yours Truly

• Don't skip the smoked paprika! It's what gives this dish that amazing smoky flavour. If you wanna add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the sauté for extra heat, go ahead!
• Common Mistake: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings. Do it! Flavour is key, and everyone is different.
• Make-Ahead Option: This is even better the next day! The flavours meld together beautifully.

Thinking about variations? for a vegan adaptation , swap the cream for coconut cream. want something extra? smoked ham hocks would work in the recipe for butter bean recipes .

These are also really great additions to leek dishes ! this recipe is simple, but has lots of opportunities to use as a base for any of these recipes or as an interesting component for colcannon recipe with leeks .

Honestly, this is a brilliant way to enjoy beans. whether you call them butter beans or lima beans, you're in for a treat.

Enjoy this beans side dish ! it is also great with zingy peas and butter bean bowl . also this recipe is a simple, yet delicious introduction for leek recipes healthy , as it is full of nutrients.

And if you're looking for a simple recipe to add into leeks recipe side dishes , then this is for you! enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Ace Your Southern Butter Beans!

Alright, you've got the recipe for creamy southern butter beans. now, let's talk tips and tricks. think of this as the secret handshake to making it really sing.

You know, that extra bit of info that takes it from "meh" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!".

Serving Up Southern Charm

Let’s talk presentation. i always think food should look as good as it tastes. try serving your butter bean recipes in a rustic bowl.

Garnish with extra parsley! if you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch. for sides, think southern classics.

Collard greens are a no-brainer. cornbread? absolutely! and a nice, crisp zingy peas and butter bean bowl on the side couldn't hurt.

A dry white wine makes it perfect!

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? no worries. the refrigeration guidelines are simple: pop 'em in an airtight container and they’ll be good for about 3-4 days.

For freezing, portion them out. thaw overnight in the fridge. reheating instructions : a gentle simmer on the stovetop works best.

Add a splash of broth or water if they seem dry.

Mix It Up, Baby!

Want to tweak things? go for it! for a dietary adaptations , easily make this vegetarian omitting bacon and using vegetable broth, substitute with other beans side dish .

A few seasonal ingredient swaps : in the fall, try adding butternut squash. delicious! or, for winter, a bit of leek dishes are a nice warmth.

Check out some leek recipes healthy , a recipe with leeks , or even a leeks recipe side dishes , like colcannon recipe with leeks for inspiration!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Let’s keep it simple: each serving has around 350 calories. you get a solid 25g of protein, thanks to the butter beans vs lima beans .

Plus, 10g of fiber! the key health benefits ? well, you're getting a good dose of protein, fiber, and slow-releasing carbs.

Perfect for sustained energy! remember it's an estimate; sodium is dependent on broth and seasoning.

Honestly, this recipe is super forgiving. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, cooking should be fun. So, grab your apron and get in there. You got this!