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A large pot of old fashioned creamy butter beans with a silver spoon scooping some on a white background
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4.94 from 16 votes

Southern Butter Beans Recipe

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Soak Time8 hours
Total Time9 hours 55 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: soul food, south, Southern
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 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 chicken bouillion
  • 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.

Notes

How to Store Butter Beans

  • Fridge: Make sure the butter beans have cooled to room temp then add them to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag before you pop in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: These also freeze great. Add to a freezer-safe container or sealable plastic bag making sure you removed as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Add the date. They should store great for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you want to serve again.
  • Re-heating: Add to a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until completely warmed through. Stir to ensure the heat is even throughout. Add more liquid if necessary. You can also pop in the microwave for faster heating. Just heat in 1 minute increments covered with a damp paper towel stirring from time to time.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg