Southern Butter Beans

Name: Southern Butter Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Yield: 6 serving
Ingredients: 1 pound large dried lima beans; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 1/2 cups diced smoked ham; 1 smoked ham hock; 8 cups quality chicken broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

User Reviews

5.0

84 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
10 hrs 10 mins
Servings
6
Calories
348 kcal
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine
American

Southern Butter Beans

Nevaeh Sloan

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A classic Southern comfort dish featuring rich, buttery beans and smoky ham for a memorable meal that will nourish both body and soul!

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Ingredients

Servings

1 pound large dried lima beans , soaked overnight then rinsed and drained (optional but helps with digestion)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter , divided
1 medium yellow onion , diced
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 1/2 cups diced smoked ham
1 smoked ham hock , or 2 meaty smoked neck bones
8 cups quality chicken broth (I use and love Aneto Broth)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat one tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat and saute the onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients (it's a myth that you shouldn't add salt to cooking beans, it in fact improves the texture). Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours uncovered, adding more broth or water if needed, until the beans are tender and thickened. Discard the bay leaves.Transfer the smoked ham hock to a plate, remove and shred the meat, then return the meat to the beans. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and add salt and pepper to taste. See blog post for serving recommendations.
Slow Cooker Butter Beans: Saute the onions and garlic and transfer them with all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours or until the beans are tender. Stir in the butter and add salt and pepper to taste.Instant Pot Butter Beans: Saute the onions and garlic and add all remaining ingredients. Set to HIGH for 20 minutes followed by a natural release. Stir in the butter and add salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 348kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 71mg (24%) Sodium 884mg (37%) Potassium 887mg (25%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 398IU (8%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 61mg (6%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 348 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	348kcal	17%
Carbohydrates	22g	7%
Protein	27g	54%
Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	6g	30%
Cholesterol	71mg	24%
Sodium	884mg	37%
Potassium	887mg	19%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugar	2g	4%
Vitamin A	398IU	8%
Vitamin C	20mg	22%
Calcium	61mg	6%
Iron	4mg	22%