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Also known as butter beans, lima beans are creamy with a mild flavor. This recipe spices them up with the addition of tomatoes and fresh thyme.

Serves 8

Lima beans are an excellent source of plant protein and are also high in fiber.

Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the lima beans and cook until just tender-crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and salt. Saute until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

Add the stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked lima beans and simmer, uncovered, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with the chopped parsley.

• 2 pounds fresh lima beans, shelled, or 2 16-ounce packages frozen unsalted lima beans, thawed (about 8 cups total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tomato, peeled and seeded, then diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

Nutritional analysis per serving