These butter beans are simmered in vegetable broth and liquid smoke for that authentic smokey flavor you get from a traditional pot of butter beans.
Author:Maya Collins
Prep Time:10 mins
Cook Time:105 mins
Total Time:595 mins
Yield:12 servings 1x
Method:Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine:soul food, south, Southern
Ingredients
Scale
16 oz butter beans ( 1 lb or large lima beans)
1 tbsp oil (neutral oil like vegetable oil)
4 tbsp butter (divided)
1 small onion (or 1/2 large onion, chopped)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
1/2 tsp hickory liquid smoke
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 dried bay leaves (optional)
Instructions
First you will want to soak your beans for 8 hours or overnight. This helps the beans cook faster as well as release enzyme inhibitors on the beans allowing you to digest them better.
Place a large pot over medium high heat. Add oil, 1 tablespoon of butter, chopped onions, black pepper, and garlic powder. Saute’ onions for about 3 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Next, add water, chicken bouillion, soaked butter beans, hickory liquid smoke, sugar, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and bay leaves to your large pot.
Bring your pot to a boil (should take around 5 to 6 minutes). Then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with lid for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until your lima beans are thick and creamy. After an hour, begin to check and see if more liquid is needed. You don’t want your beans to be dry.
Once done, remove bay leaves, and adjust seasoning to your liking (adding additional pepper or salt to taste) and the remaining butter. Allow your beans to sit and cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it thicken even more. Serve em up.