Yahoo News breaking story … Today is Lima Bean Respect Day and National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day.
I love all types of beans but I have to admit that Lima’s are not the typical bean that I run to. I tend to favor the sturdy kidney bean, the versatile pinto bean or some fancy heirloom bean like Zuni Gold or Anasazi. Funny how it takes a silly food holiday to bring Lima’s to the forefront of my mind.
Growing up in the South, we called them Butter Beans because of their smooth, buttery texture. These bad boys are a nutrition all star being high in fiber, protein, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and manganese. One cup of Lima Beans provide 209 calories, 1g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 9g dietary fiber, 31g net carbs (carbs minus fiber), and 12g protein.
In honor of the oft forgotten Lima Bean, I made a zesty succotash with Baby Lima Beans. Succotash is something that I’ve only had a few times but I’m not certain why. It’s very healthy and easy, again, just not at the forefront of my mind. Succotash has always been associated with Lima’s, in my mind, but my research indicated that succotash is any dish with beans and corn and it was very popular during the Great Depression. I can see why. It’s a humble, simple dish packed with nutrition.
My version was adapted from Creamy Succotash at About.com’s Southern Food section. I made the recipe as indicated but added in a can of drained Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) and two tablespoons of diced bacon. It was extremely good. I did make this with dried Lima’s that were soaked overnight but my next attempt will probably use frozen because the beans did not remain intact after mixing in the other ingredients. Otherwise, I suppose I could mix everything and then toss in the Lima’s at the very last second. They are the star of the show, after all.
As I previously mentioned, it was also National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day, today. I am on the lookout for a unique recipe and will probably post in a couple of days. Let me know if you have any ideas or favorites.
Did you serve Lima Beans today?
I’m loving the fact that you turn health foods into enjoyable foods to be celebrated rather than endured!
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Joy recently posted … Migraine and Hair Mineral Analysis
Thx, Joy … Food should never have to be endured :-)
Yum yum! I LOVE lima beans. I didn’t even know they had their own day. Well done.
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Dara recently posted … Broccoli White Bean Soup
Thx, Dara. FYI, there is a food holiday almost every day of the year and sometimes several on the same day :-)
wow, this actually looks good…i’ve never been a fan of lima beans before, but i may be able to get over that if i eat them in this!
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Jenn and Seth ( recently posted … Bacon Wrapped Egg Cups with Horseradish and Cheddar
My husband turned his nose up at the dish but I convinced him to try it and he did like it so there is hope … Thx for stopping by!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! These beans look terrific! I have no idea why Lima Beans get such a bad rap – I’ve always liked them. I love your addition of fresh vegetables.
Thx for stopping by, Susan!
Butter Beans are my FAVORITE!!! I use them all the time. I always say the only thing wrong with them is their other name (lima) and that horrid canned version that people got traumatized by. This looks good :)
I too have been traumatized with the canned bean. Thx for stopping by the site, Alyssa!
Yum-O … I love Rotel in everything.
Connie, you must be from the south because we put Ro-tel on everything :-)
oh yum, this looks wonderful! i actually love lima beans (my mother-in-law calls ‘em butter beans, too) + succotash, so i know i’d love this. it would make a lovely side dish for some healthy grilled chicken or fish. yum!
It’s very good, Amy. Hope you like it and thx for stopping by!
My father had this great love affair with lima beans when I was younger and we had to have them all. the. time. LOL!
Since then, I’ve resisted because it probably traumatized me.
This one looks YUMMY!!!
Hey, I totally get the trauma :-) Thx for stopping by, Jen!