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lima beans and smoked turkey in a white bowl
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5 from 5 votes

Southern Lima Beans

This Southern Lima Beans Recipe uses dry beans and is served soul-food style, cooked in turkey, ham, or salt pork. Pair this dish with collard greens, cornbread, or any of your favorite sides.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 10 servings
Calories 167kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped white onions
  • 3 garlic cloves Minced
  • 5-6 cups chicken broth Use enough to fully cover the beans.
  • 1 pound bag dry lima beans Rinsed.
  • 1 smoked turkey leg or wing About 1 pound to 1 1/2 pounds fully cooked. See notes for substitutions.
  • 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • Fill a large soup pot with water (enough to cover the lima beans) and place it on the stove to boil. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the lima beans. Allow the beans to soak for 1 hour and then drain.
  • Place the large soup pot on medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  • When hot, add the onions and garlic. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
  • Add in the chicken broth, lima beans, smoked turkey, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir.
  • Place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for 1 1/2-3 hours until the beans are soft. You can test if they are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.
  • Open up the pot and remove the bay leaf and smoked turkey. Use 2 forks and shred the turkey and return it to the pot. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  • Cool before serving.

Notes

  • Not soaking the beans in advance will add hours to the cook time.
  • Rinse the beans first to remove any surface dirt.
  • Soft beans will take around 2 hours to cook. Super soft/mushy beans will require a longer cook time.
  • You can substitute turkey for ham hocks, a leftover ham bone, salt pork, country ham, or bacon.
  • You can double the recipe and use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same. 
  • You can substitute Creole seasoning for whatever flavor or spice blend you like.
     
  • Frozen lima beans are usually pre-cooked and don’t require any soaking or initial preparation. Defrost before using.
  • Canned beans don't take long to cook. Combine all of the ingredients and heat until warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 3g