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These southern lima beans bring that slow cooked, Sundays at grandma’s house kind of comfort. They simmer with smoked ham hocks, aromatics, and warm spices until the broth turns rich and the beans get tender and creamy. Spoon them over rice and with cornbread for a real down home meal.
Ingredients for lima beans recipe
- Onion, Green Bell Pepper & Celery – The Southern holy trinity that builds deep savory flavor. This is not optional!
- Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic depth.
- Cajun Seasoning – Brings warmth, spice, and layered flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Balance and enhance everything in the pot.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds smoky richness without overpowering.
- Italian Seasoning – A subtle herbal note that rounds things out.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the savory base the beans simmer in.
- Smoked Ham Hocks – Infuse the beans with deep, smoky flavor and tender meat.
- Dry Lima Beans – The star; soak overnight so they cook evenly and get creamy.
- Bay Leaf – Adds quiet background depth while simmering.
- Fresh Parsley, Chives or Scallions – Brighten and freshen the finished dish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. Soaking helps them cook evenly and become tender without splitting. However, you can do a quick soak of the beans, the directions will be on the back of the packaging.
Smash a portion of the beans in the pot and simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Yes. Use smoked turkey legs or add a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
Southern Lima Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ White Onion , diced
- ½ Green bell pepper, diced
- 1 stalk Celery, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Pinch salt & pepper
- ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 smoked hamhocks
- 1 ½ cups Dry lima beans , soaked overnight and drained
- 1 Bay leaf
- Fresh Parsley , chopped
- Chives or scallions
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium high heat with the oil. Once hot, cook the onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic. Cook this for a few minutes until the veggies are a bit soft. Then add the seasonings, chicken broth and smoked meat. Bring to a boil and add the bay leaf and thyme.
- Cover and reduce heat to just before low. Let cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, add in the lima beans and stir. Cover and let cook for 1 ½ hrs.
- After an hour and half remove the lid. Take out the smoked meat and pull the meat off of it, discarding the fatty skin. This should be easy as the meat will be extra tender.
- Turn the heat up to medium high, stir the beans then smash some of the beans using a spoon, this will thicken the beans. If you don’t want it too thick, don’t smash too many beans. Stir in the meat. Cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. Stir every now and then so the bottom doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Remove the bay leaves. Top with some fresh chives or parsley, eat and enjoy! It can be eaten alone or over white rice with a side of greens and cornbread.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to make southern lima beans
Sauté onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, then simmer with broth, seasonings, and smoked ham hocks to build deep flavor.
Add soaked lima beans and cook until tender, then shred the ham and return it to the pot.
Smash some of the lima beans to thicken the broth and simmer uncovered before topping with fresh herbs and serving.
