Lima beans have got to be one of the most misunderstood foods out here. I hated them growing up, but let me tell you, it is not the case now! Being married to a man from Louisiana and living in Texas changed all that. My favorite way to eat them now is Lima Beans and Rice.
If you like Southern-style food, let me share a few other recipes I love. Creole Shrimp and sausage is always a party when I make it. I also love Cajun chicken bites, and Blackened pork tenderloin. I love serving all of these with Cajun mashed potatoes.
What Makes This Recipe Work?
It is easy! You add everything to a pan and let it cook down. I mean, it takes a little way to cook, but it is all hands-off. Plus, the smell is the best!!
This is comfort food. It is a great meal to cook in cooler weather as it is so cozy! Nothing like enjoying this after a stressful day!
This is healthy and easy to customize. I love to use smoked turkey sausage, but you can always use a vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Or you can skip the sausage altogether and load it up with other veggies- zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.
I always make a big batch of this and use it for meal prep. It reheats so well, even better than the first time around. Give it a few minutes in the microwave and you are ready to go!
Ingredients
- Frozen lima beans- You can buy these canned, but the frozen is so much better in this recipe.
- Minced garlic- You can also use garlic powder, but I think minced garlic has a much better flavor!
- Smoked sausage- I used smoked turkey sausage, but you can use whatever kind you like. If you are asking me, I think the smoked sausage gives the best flavor.
- Vegetable broth- you can also use chicken broth. Both give great flavor.
- Cajun seasoning- It can be called Cajun or Creole. My favorite is Tony Chacheres, it is a staple in this house.
- Onion- you can use either white or yellow onions.
- Rice- you can use brown rice, you know I love whole grains, but for this recipe, I love good old white rice. Long grain white rice.
How To Make
Start by adding all the ingredients to a medium-sized pan. Let it simmer on low for about 30 minutes or so. You will want it to reduce down a bit and for the lima beans to be tender.
When you have about 20 minutes of cooking time last, start the rice. Bring your water and salt to a boil. Reduce heat and add in the rice. Cover and let it cook until it is tender.
Spoon your rice into a bowl and add the lima beans on top. Make sure and add in the juices too, that may be the best part!
That is it! Even though it takes a while to cook, it is not hard to make at all.
Notes
This is a very easy recipe, but let me share a few tips.
- Frozen lima beans are the best. Canned are just too mushy. With the frozen, you can cook them and meld the flavors together without them getting too soft.
- Vegetable, chicken, or even beef broth with work. I don't recommend beef broth unless you use a beef sausage for flavor.
- The amount of Cajun or Creole seasoning you use is up to you. The more you use, the spicier it is. Normally we like pretty spicy food, but for this one, I make it a little milder.
- This will hold well in the fridge for up to 7 days! Make sure and let it cool, store it in an airtight container, then reheat as needed.
- DO NOT throw out the juices in this dish. They give the best flavor to the rice.
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Lima Beans and Rice
Ingredients
- 20 ounce frozen lima beans
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1-3 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the lima beans, broth, sausage, onions, garlic, Cajun seasoning to a pan. Bring it to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook another 10 minutes. In another pan, add the 4 cups of water and salt. Bring to a boil. Add in the rice, reduce heat, cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Once the lime beans are tender and the rice is cooked, it is time to serve.
- Add about ½-1 cup of cooked rice to your bowl. Add ½ cup or so of lima beans and some of the juice with it.
- Sprinkle with more Cajun seasoning if you want a little more spice!
Notes
- Frozen lima beans are the best. Canned are just too mushy. With the frozen you can cook them and meld the flavors together with them getting too soft.
- Vegetable, chicken, or even beef broth with work. I don't recommend beef broth unless you use a beef sausage for flavor.
- The amount of Cajun or Creole seasoning you use is up to you. The more you use, the spicier it is. Normally we like pretty spicy food, but for this one, I make it a little milder.
- This will hold well in the fridge for up to 7 days! Make sure and let it cool, store it in an airtight container, then reheat as needed.
- DO NOT throw out the juices in this dish. They give the best flavor to the rice.