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Southern Butter Beans
A classic Southern comfort dish featuring rich, buttery beans and smoky ham for a memorable meal that will nourish both body and soul!
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
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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
% 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.