Barbecued lima beans are a delicious and satisfying side dish that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. This recipe takes advantage of the faster cooking time of dried lima beans, which do not require pre-cooking before being added to the slow cooker. With the addition of onion, dry mustard, cider vinegar, molasses, and chili sauce, these lima beans are transformed into a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1¼ cups (253 g) dried lima beans
- ¾ cup (120 g) onion, chopped in large pieces
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (40 g) molasses
- ¼ cup (70 g) chili sauce
PREPARATION:
- Place the dried lima beans in a bowl and cover them with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans, reserving 1 cup (235 ml) of the soaking liquid.
- In the slow cooker, combine the soaked lima beans, chopped onion, dry mustard, cider vinegar, molasses, chili sauce, and the reserved soaking liquid.
- Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
YIELD: 6 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 33 g water
- 159 calories (2% from fat, 21% from protein, 78% from carbs)
- 8 g protein
- 0 g total fat
- 0 g saturated fat
- 0 g monounsaturated fat
- 0 g polyunsaturated fat
- 32 g carbs
- 7 g fiber
- 9 g sugar
- 151 mg phosphorus
- 52 mg calcium
- 3 mg iron
- 18 mg sodium
- 773 mg potassium
- 168 IU vitamin A
- 0 mg ATE vitamin E
- 3 mg vitamin C
- 0 mg cholesterol
TIPS:
- For added flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or a minced garlic clove to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dish to your preference by adjusting the amount of molasses and cider vinegar.
- Serve the barbecued lima beans as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftover barbecued lima beans can be refrigerated and reheated for future meals. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Barbecued lima beans are a fantastic side dish that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker, making them a convenient and delicious addition to any meal. This recipe takes advantage of the faster cooking time of dried lima beans, which do not require pre-cooking. By combining the soaked lima beans with onion, dry mustard, cider vinegar, molasses, and chili sauce, you create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will please both family and guests.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender beans with a rich and tangy barbecue flavor. The combination of molasses, cider vinegar, and chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness, tanginess, and subtle heat, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The onions provide additional depth and texture to the dish.
Nutritionally, these barbecued lima beans offer a good source of protein (8 grams per serving) and dietary fiber (7 grams per serving). The slow cooking process also helps to soften the beans and make them easier to digest. Lima beans are packed with essential nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
To enhance the dish, consider adding additional ingredients to suit your taste. Diced bell peppers or minced garlic cloves can be included for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of chili sauce or barbecue sauce to customize the taste according to your preferences. For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, adding a small amount of liquid smoke can provide an interesting twist.
Barbecued lima beans can be served as a standalone side dish or as part of a larger meal. They complement grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cornbread exceptionally well. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for later use, and the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
In summary, barbecued lima beans prepared in a slow cooker offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this versatile legume. The combination of flavors and textures, along with the ease of preparation, make this dish a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, barbecued lima beans are sure to impress with their rich flavors and nutritional benefits. Give this recipe a try and savor the comforting taste of these delicious barbecued lima beans.
